Abuja: The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment towards ensuring that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are considered in every decision and government policies to enhance efficient disability governance. President Bola Tinubu expressed this commitment at the two-day Nigeria National Disability Summit 2025, held in Abuja. According to News Agency of Nigeria, the theme of the summit was 'Inclusive Nigeria Empowering Persons with Disabilities for Sustainable Development.' President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, stated that the summit was an opportunity to assess Nigeria's achievements, identify existing gaps, and define practical steps to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind. The Federal Government, in collaboration with state governments, has introduced numerous policies and reforms for the inclusion of PWDs in governance. Tinubu emphasized the government's commitment to mainstreaming disability inclusion in governa nce and development. Through collaboration with state governments and development partners, Nigeria has expanded access to assistive devices, promoted inclusive education, enhanced social protection coverage, and integrated disability data into international planning and national social registers. The president also highlighted initiatives prioritizing employment and empowerment, with directives to the Federal Civil Service Commission to ensure fair representation of persons with disabilities. Public works and skill development programs have been adopted to accommodate and empower citizens with disabilities. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, noted that the National Assembly passed the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities Act 2018 to ensure protection for PWDs in Nigeria. Represented by Hon. Dawudu Bashiru, Chairman of the House Committee on Disabilities Affairs, Abbas explained that the bill is designed to protect the rights and welfare of PWDs, addressing challenges such as discrimination, stigmatization, and lack of access to physical spaces, employment, education, and healthcare. Ms. Esther Bature, Country Advocacy Coordinator for SightSavers, emphasized that the theme for the Post-Global Disability Summit in Nigeria should prompt collaboration and proper coordination by relevant authorities. Bature mentioned the organization's belief in a world where preventable blindness is eradicated, and persons with disabilities can live equally and equitably in society. SightSavers collaborates with ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure inclusiveness in education and employment policies. Similarly, Dr. Markus Wagner, Country Director of GIZ Nigeria, stated that inclusive development is essential for Nigeria's growth. He emphasized that disability inclusion is not optional but a matter of human rights and global development. With an estimated 1.3 billion persons with disabilities worldwide, Wagner asserted that they deserve equal access to education, employment, health care, technology, and meaningful participation in society. Earlier, Mr. Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), highlighted the summit as an opportunity for stakeholders to break down barriers, harmonize policies, and create opportunities for every Nigerian with a disability. Gufwan stressed the importance of the platform for reviewing progress, sharing best practices, and strengthening partnerships towards realizing commitments under the Global Disabilities Summit framework.
Menu