FG inaugurates national forum to advance disability inclusion

The Federal Government has inaugurated the National Forum of Heads of Disability Commissions and Agencies to strengthen inclusive development and institutional coordination across Nigeria. The launch took place during a two-day workshop held from Monday through Tuesday, in Abuja.   The initiative, led by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in collaboration with […]

The Federal Government has inaugurated the National Forum of Heads of Disability Commissions and Agencies to strengthen inclusive development and institutional coordination across Nigeria. The launch took place during a two-day workshop held from Monday through Tuesday, in Abuja.

 

The initiative, led by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Social Welfare and other partners, brings together state-level disability commissions, ministries, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and development agencies.

 

Speaking at the opening, Dr. Adebayo Adebukola, Technical Adviser to the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, described the Forum as “a vital coordination platform to harmonize our efforts, share good practices, and ensure that no person with a disability is left behind in our national development agenda.”

 

The workshop, themed “Progressing on Disability Inclusive Development in Nigeria: Moving from Policy to Practice through Effective Inter-Governmental Relations,” focused on translating Nigeria’s disability laws into action.

 

Participants reviewed existing policies, identified gaps, and adopted a Joint Action Plan (2025–2026) alongside a Forum Charter and Communication Framework.

 

Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of NCPWD, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to inclusive governance. “Our dream of a disability-inclusive Nigeria cannot be realized without the synergy and shared vision of each state’s disability commission or agency,” he said.

 

He emphasised that the Forum would enhance accountability, policy coherence, and resource mobilization. “The National Forum will not only improve coordination among disability institutions but also give stronger voice and visibility to persons with disabilities at all levels of policy making,” Gufwan added.

 

The Forum aims to institutionalize structured engagement between government, OPDs, and development partners, focusing on inclusive budgeting, data systems, and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities.

 

“This is the beginning of a new chapter in disability governance in Nigeria. Inclusion is not an act of charity — it is an act of justice and an investment in national development,” Gufwan said.