The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has unveiled a new enforcement guideline to bolster the implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
Executive Secretary of the commission, Ayuba Gufwan, announced the development on Friday in Abuja during the launch of the 2024 State of Disability Inclusion Report in Nigeria (SDIRN), conducted by Project Enable Africa in partnership with the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF).
The report, described as the first of its kind, provides sector-wide data on disability inclusion in areas such as education, healthcare, employment, policy, and social protection, while identifying key gaps and opportunities for inclusive governance.
Represented by Nkem Uchegbulam, Gufwan said the newly introduced guideline will aid in enforcing accessibility standards and issuing compliance certificates. He noted that enforcement mechanisms have been strengthened under his leadership to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.
Mohammed Isa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, highlighted that although the five-year transition period stipulated by the Act has ended, many public facilities remain inaccessible. He attributed this to inadequate funding, weak enforcement, poor coordination, and low awareness.
Isa disclosed ongoing collaborations with the Head of the Civil Service to implement accountability frameworks across government ministries, departments, and agencies.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Maryam Keshinro, decried the persistent marginalisation of persons with disabilities. She emphasised the compounded disadvantages faced by women and girls with disabilities, particularly in education, healthcare, and economic access.
Chairman of Project Enable Africa’s Board of Trustees, Kola Olugbodi, stressed the need for reliable data to inform disability-related policies and evaluate their impact.
Presenting the findings, Bukola Adebayo revealed that only 23 states had domesticated the Disability Act as of 2024. He recommended nationwide accessibility audits, increased funding for inclusive programmes, and a review of health insurance schemes to ensure disability-responsive coverage.