Nigeria hosts national disability summit to translate global commitments into local action
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has convened a two-day National Disability Summit in Abuja, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s global commitments into tangible progress for persons with disabilities. The summit, held from Wednesday to Thursday, follows the 2025 Global Disability Summit in Berlin and is themed “From Commitments to Action: Advancing Disability-Inclusive […]
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The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has convened a two-day National Disability Summit in Abuja, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s global commitments into tangible progress for persons with disabilities.
The summit, held from Wednesday to Thursday, follows the 2025 Global Disability Summit in Berlin and is themed “From Commitments to Action: Advancing Disability-Inclusive Development and Governance in Nigeria.”
Speaking at the opening, Executive Secretary of NCPWD emphasised that the summit is not just about promises but about accountability.
“We are here to assess progress, confront challenges, and strengthen our collective accountability.
“Nigeria’s commitments at the global level must translate into tangible changes in the lives of persons with disabilities at home.”
He noted that Nigeria has participated in every Global Disability Summit since 2018 and reaffirmed its dedication to implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
The summit brought together policymakers, development partners, civil society, and organizations of persons with disabilities to review Nigeria’s commitments, share best practices, and agree on a National Disability Action and Accountability Plan for 2025–2030.
“We have developed frameworks for accessibility, inclusive education, employment equity, and access to work.
“But true inclusion requires the active participation of every stakeholder — ministries, departments, agencies, the private sector, the media, and most importantly, persons with disabilities themselves.”
Dr. Markus Wagner, GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS Country Director, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Inclusion is not an act of charity but a matter of justice, respect, and dignity.”
He highlighted Germany’s hosting of the 2025 Global Disability Summit and the adoption of the Amman-Berlin Declaration, which aims to ensure that 15% of all development interventions directly advance disability inclusion by 2028.
Wagner also revealed that GIZ Nigeria has reached over 2,800 persons with disabilities through interventions in vocational training, digital inclusion, and livelihoods support.
“Accessibility is not just about ramps, but about opportunity and participation,” he said.
As the summit continues, stakeholders are expected to finalize a national action plan and strengthen collaboration across sectors.