Nigeria's Disability Commission pushes for inclusive public services

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in Nigeria has launched initiatives to improve accessibility and support for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

At a recent programme in Abuja, the Commission urged government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure public services are inclusive and accessible. Executive Secretary Ayuba Burki Gufwan emphasized that meaningful inclusion requires government institutions to identify accessibility barriers and adopt sustainable, practical measures to allow PWDs to access services with dignity.

In a separate effort, the NCPWD has begun a three-day programme to assess and distribute assistive devices to 562 children with disabilities across 12 institutions in the Federal Capital Territory. Moving away from ad-hoc distribution, the Commission is implementing a coordinated system involving assessment, prescription, fitting, training, and maintenance. This approach aims to ensure that beneficiaries receive appropriate equipment that effectively supports their mobility, independence, and quality of life.