NCPWD Hosts National Disability Summit to Deepen Inclusion

 

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has concluded plans to host the 2025 National Disability Summit in Abuja, aimed at strengthening disability inclusion, advocacy, and participatory governance across the country.

The four-day event, organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, will begin on Monday with the inauguration workshop for the Forum of Disability Commissions and Agencies in Nigeria (NAFDCA).

The Summit, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, October 29 and 30, will focus on the theme: “Inclusive Nigeria: Empowering Persons with Disabilities for Sustainable Development.”

It will also feature the official launch of NAFDCA — a joint initiative of the ministry and the NCPWD — to drive inclusive development, empower persons with disabilities (PWDs), and develop a National Action Plan for implementing Nigeria’s 2025 Global Disability Summit commitments.

The event has support from the German and Swiss Governments, the European Union through GIZ Nigeria, International IDEA under the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, and Sightsavers.

According to the Commission, discussions will centre on strengthening inclusive policies, reviewing progress on the Global Disability Summit commitments, promoting employment and entrepreneurship, and advancing accessible infrastructure in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, described the Summit as a “national call to action” to dismantle systemic barriers and foster collaboration for sustainable inclusion.

 “The National Disability Summit is a call to action for all stakeholders to come together and address the challenges that hinder the full participation of persons with disabilities. It presents a renewed opportunity to align our collective efforts toward building a truly inclusive Nigeria,” he said.

He added that with 23 states having domesticated the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, and 15 states establishing functional disability agencies, the Summit will serve as a platform to review progress and accelerate nationwide inclusion.

Gufwan said the Commission remains committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in Nigeria’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable development.