The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in its continuous commitment to advancing inclusivity across Nigeria, paid a strategic courtesy visit to the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Headquarters in Abuja.
The delegation, led by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, was received by the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, alongside senior officials from the Agency. The engagement focused on strengthening institutional collaboration towards nationwide awareness, sensitization, and full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
In his remarks, Hon. Gufwan emphasized that the five-year moratorium provided within the Act has elapsed, making its full enforcement a national priority. He noted that for the Act to achieve its intended impact, NOA’s nationwide presence and communication infrastructure are indispensable.
According to him, “The mandate of the Commission is to promote inclusion, ensure equal opportunities, and guarantee the participation of persons with disabilities in education, healthcare, employment, and all spheres of national life. To achieve this, we urgently require a National Disability Database, full implementation of accessibility standards, and strict adherence to the 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.”
Hon. Gufwan further stressed that other countries have advanced disability inclusion through adequate funding, effective data systems, and strong enforcement mechanisms. He noted that Nigeria must follow this path to ensure that no citizen is left behind, reaffirming the principle of “nothing for us without us.”
Responding, the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, expressed the Agency’s unwavering commitment to supporting NCPWD in promoting the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of persons with disabilities nationwide. He stated that his administration is focused on dismantling barriers and ensuring access to public buildings, facilities, and essential services.
He noted that “The greatest form of empowerment is not giving money but enabling people to understand and demand their rights. The Commission cannot do it alone; it requires collective responsibility. The priority is not only about data but about guaranteeing accessibility and ensuring every public institution complies with the law.”
The DG highlighted that NOA operates 818 offices nationwide, covering the 774 LGAs and six zonal directorates, positioning the Agency as a powerful partner in national sensitization and behavioral change. He assured the Commission that NOA will intensify awareness campaigns, make sign language interpretation standard in its outreach programmes, and amplify messages on disability rights across all platforms.
A major outcome of the meeting was the establishment of a Joint Technical Committee between NCPWD and NOA. The committee will design strategic action plans to strengthen implementation of the Disability Act, enhance nationwide awareness, and promote an inclusive Nigeria where no one is left behind.
The Director of Social Development at NCPWD, Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, expressed appreciation to NOA for already integrating sign language interpretation in its campaigns. He requested that NOA allocate a monthly national awareness slot to enable NCPWD disseminate information on its activities and services.
The meeting concluded with a formal exchange of publications and documents between both agencies, symbolizing a renewed and strengthened partnership.
Signed
Ishaku Kigbu ( anipr)
Head Media & Publicity
National Commission
For Persons with Disabilities
10-12-2025
