The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has unveiled three key certificates aimed at driving the full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2023 and the Persons with Disabilities (Accessibility) Regulations, 2023 alongside its prescribed guidelines.
The certificates unveiled are: the National Accessibility Compliance Certificate, the National Disability Compliance Certificate, and the Provisional Accessibility Compliance Certificate. This marks a historic milestone in advancing accessibility and inclusion for more than 35.5 million Nigerians with disabilities.
Presenting the certificates at an official ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, described the initiative as a concrete step toward the full enforcement of the Nigerian Disability Act 2023 and the Accessibility Regulations 2023. These legal instruments provide a framework for ensuring accessibility across critical sectors such as public buildings, transportation, and information technology.
Hon. Gufwan emphasized that accessibility is not a privilege but a fundamental human right.
“Accessibility is essential for persons with disabilities to participate fully in every aspect of life. These certificates will encourage compliance with standards, promote accountability, and celebrate organizations that prioritize inclusion. Together, we are building a Nigeria where no one is left behind,” he said.
The certificates are designed to:
Promote compliance with national accessibility standards,
Enhance accountability by recognizing organizations that meet inclusion benchmarks, and
Foster a culture of inclusion, ensuring equal access to goods, services, and opportunities.
NCPWD has developed detailed guidelines for implementing the certificates, covering training, monitoring, and stakeholder participation. These guidelines are awaiting gazette publication and codification by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. Beyond recognition, the certificates will also generate Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the Commission and the Federal Government, creating a sustainable mechanism for funding disability inclusion initiatives nationwide.
In his remarks, Barr. Ikem Uchegbulam, Director of Compliance and Enforcement, NCPWD, described the unveiling as both an honour and a call to action:
“Today, we reaffirm our collective dedication to breaking down the physical, social, and systemic barriers that have hindered the progress of persons with disabilities. It is imperative that we cultivate an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s development.”
Hon. Gufwan concluded with a rallying call to stakeholders, partners, and the general public:
“Let us ensure that awareness about this compliance framework reaches every corner of our nation. By doing so, we create a society where accessibility is not an aspiration but a reality for all.”
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Didi Walson-Jack, in her remarks delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs. Patience Oyekwale, reiterated that disability inclusion is a right that must be complied with by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of Government. She called for stronger implementation and compliance across all sectors.
In his goodwill message, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isah, commended the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, for this milestone achievement, noting that it would usher in the full implementation of the Act.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the certificates, which was performed by Mrs. Patience Oyekwale, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service of the Federation.
Other dignitaries present commended the Commission for this remarkable achievement and expressed hope that the vision of an inclusive Nigeria will be fully realized.
Signed
Ishaku Kigbu (anipr)
Head, Media & Publicity
National Commission for Persons with Disabilities
