The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWDs) has commenced preparations for the 2025 Global Disability Summit (GDS) in Germany, with a high-level stakeholders' meeting held in Abuja to outline key commitments, according to Ishaku Kigbu, Head of Media & Publicity, NCPWDs.
The meeting, chaired by Executive Secretary Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, brought together representatives from government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to develop a strategic plan for Nigeria’s participation at the summit.
Hon. Gufwan stated that the summit presents an opportunity for nations to reaffirm their commitment to disability rights and inclusion.
> "The Global Disability Summit is not just an event; it is an opportunity for countries to reflect on achievements, identify gaps, and strengthen partnerships to drive sustainable change," he said, according to Kigbu.
Key Progress and Challenges
According to Kigbu, the commission highlighted significant milestones since Nigeria’s participation in the inaugural 2018 Global Disability Summit in the United Kingdom. Among these is the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which led to the establishment of NCPWDs.
Hon. Gufwan also acknowledged the support of development partners, including Sightsavers, CBM Global Disability Inclusion, and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, for their role in advancing disability inclusion efforts.
Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Daudu Bashir, Chairman of the House Committee on Disability Matters, emphasized the need for sustained action on disability inclusion.
> Caring for persons with disabilities is not an act of charity; it is a fundamental human right. It speaks to the restoration and preservation of human dignity, which is central to national development," Hon. Bashir said, according to Kigbu.
Path Forward for 2025 GDS Commitments
As NCPWDs fine-tunes its commitments ahead of the 2025 GDS, discussions focused on strengthening policies, enhancing accessibility, and expanding economic opportunities for persons with disabilities. The resolutions from the meeting will shape the official commitments Nigeria will present at the summit.
The 2025 Global Disability Summit, scheduled to take place in Germany, serves as a global platform where nations outline their progress, challenges, and future strategies for disability inclusion.
Next Steps
According to Kigbu, the NCPWDs' priority areas for the 2025 GDS will include:
Increased funding for disability-focused programs.
Full enforcement of the 2018 Disability Act.
Stronger collaboration with the private sector to create employment opportunities
Improved accessibility in public spaces, transportation, and digital services.
Stakeholders at the meeting emphasized that Nigeria’s participation must go beyond policy declarations to ensure real implementation of commitments that positively impact persons with disabilities nationwide.
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