The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) will in a significant move to strengthen disability inclusion and inclusive governance in Nigeria, host the 2025 National Disability Summit from October 29 to 30, 2025, in Abuja, under the theme “Inclusive Nigeria: Empowering Persons with Disabilities for Sustainable Development.”
The Summit, organized by the Commission in collaboration with Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and other partners will convene stakeholders from government institutions, civil society, the private sector, development partners, and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) for a two – day summit.
The Commission is seeking to use the two – day engagement to deepen discussions on inclusive national policies, showcase progress on Nigeria’s Global Disability Summit (GDS) commitments, and identify actionable strategies to enhance inclusion across key sectors.
Participants are to explore themes that include inclusive employment, entrepreneurship opportunities, digital accessibility, data driven policymaking, and accessible infrastructure during the programme.
The event will also serve as a platform for strengthening partnerships and promoting shared accountability for disability inclusion in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This summit is crucial to Nigeria, home to an estimated 35.5 million persons with disabilities.
Nigeria has made important legislative and institutional advances since the enactment of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018; but the implementation remains uneven across the country, with only 23 states domesticating the Act and 15 states establishing functional agencies.
A major highlight of the Summit will be the official launch of the National Forum of Disability Commissions and Agencies (NAFDCA) a coordination platform designed to strengthen intergovernmental collaboration and ensure the effective implementation of disability rights policies nationwide.
Speaking ahead of the summit, the host and Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan underscored the need for collective action to dismantle systemic barriers affecting persons with disabilities:
“The 2025 National Disability Summit is a call to action for all stakeholders to come together and address the challenges that hinder the full participation of persons with disabilities. It presents a renewed opportunity to align our efforts toward building a truly inclusive Nigeria, one where every citizen can thrive and contribute meaningfully.”
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Nigeria, along with the European Union (EU), the Government of Germany, and the Government of Switzerland, will play a key role in supporting the Summit. These partners bring global expertise and long-standing commitment to advancing social inclusion and equitable development.
Dr. Markus Wagner, Country Director of GIZ Nigeria, emphasized the importance of the event:
“This Summit is more than just a gathering. It is an essential step towards ensuring that persons with disabilities can actively participate in Nigeria’s development. Inclusion is not charity; it is justice and opportunity.”
The two day Summit will feature interactive panel sessions, thematic workshops, and exhibitions showcasing innovative solutions and technologies that enhance accessibility, empowerment, and inclusion for persons with disabilities across all sectors.
The event is slated for Abuja, the nations capital between October 29–30, 2025, at 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily.
Signed
Ishaku Kigbu (anipr)
Head, Media & Publicity
National Commission for Persons with Disabilities
11 October 2025
