The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities has partnered with the Sterling Inclusive Education and Development Initiative to strengthen systems for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
This followed a courtesy visit by SIEDI to the Executive Secretary of the commission, Ayuba Gufwan, in Abuja on March 31, 2026.
Speaking during the meeting, Gufwan commended SIEDI for its commitment to advancing inclusive education, describing it as a key priority of the commission. He stressed the need for unity among stakeholders in promoting the rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities.
The NCPWD boss noted that while the commission remains committed to addressing challenges faced by persons with disabilities, inadequate budgetary allocation continues to hinder its efforts.
On her part, the Executive Director of SIEDI, Patience Agbamu, lauded the commission’s work and reaffirmed the organisation’s focus on inclusive education and disability rights.
She said SIEDI’s initiatives align with the commission’s mandate, highlighting a six-month pilot project on inclusive education. Agbamu also underscored the importance of collaboration in implementing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
Key issues discussed during the meeting included advocacy engagement, strengthening collaboration on SIEDI’s ongoing project titled “Strengthening Protection and Resilience of Disability Rights Advocates in Nigeria,” and activating referral pathways for reporting violations against persons with disabilities.
The stakeholders also commended the commission for developing operational guidelines to enhance legal protection and redress under the 2018 Act.
Discussions further centred on improving accessible, safe, and timely response systems, as well as promoting accountability in addressing rights violations.
The meeting also proposed identifying relevant institutions to implement coordinated referral pathways that would enable persons with disabilities and advocates to report abuse, harassment, and rights violations and receive prompt responses.
Institutions identified for collaboration include the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities as the lead coordinating body, the National Human Rights Commission, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Police Force, and civil society organisations.
The engagement, according to the commission, is part of ongoing efforts to promote accountability and strengthen protection mechanisms for persons with disabilities in the country.
