President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has reaffirmed that disability inclusion is not an act of charity but a constitutional right, a matter of justice, and a measure of national progress.
The President made this declaration while declaring open the 2025 National Disability Summit, held at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, from 29th–30th October, 2025, themed:
“Inclusive Nigeria: Empowering Persons with Disabilities for Sustainable Development.”
Represented by the Honourable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sanunu, the President emphasized that every Nigerian, regardless of physical or mental ability is entitled to equal access to education, employment, healthcare, political participation, and social protection.
“Inclusion is not just a social agenda; it is an economic and governance imperative. Around the world, evidence shows that societies that include persons with disabilities in schools and workplaces grow faster, are more innovative, and achieve stronger social cohesion,” he stated.
He reaffirmed that his administration will continue to:
Reduce the number of out-of-school children with disabilities;
Expand access to health insurance schemes;
Strengthen workplace accessibility;
Distribute assistive devices nationwide; and
Enforce the mandatory five percent employment quota for persons with disabilities.
The President commended the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, for his leadership, vision, and commitment to advancing disability rights and inclusion in Nigeria.
The two-day Summit was organized by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, with support from the German and Swiss Governments, the European Union (EU) through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH), International IDEA through the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, Sightsavers, The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN), and RedAid Nigeria.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, emphasized that the Summit marks Nigeria’s follow-up to the 2025 Global Disability Summit (GDS) held in Berlin, Germany, a platform for reflection, renewal, and recommitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
“We are not here to make promises alone; we are here to assess progress, confront challenges, and strengthen accountability. True inclusion requires the participation of all, government, private sector, civil society, and persons with disabilities themselves,” he noted.
He also announced plans to develop a National Disability Action and Accountability Plan (2025–2030) to guide cross-sectoral implementation of inclusive policies.
Delivering his keynote address, Hon. Bashiru Daudu, Chairman, House Committee on Disability Affairs, urged Nigerians to support the enforcement of the Disability Act to eliminate discrimination and promote access.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Hon. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), represented by an Assistant Director, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to full implementation of the Act.
The Minister, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman, represented by Dr Abia, Udeme Nsikak, assistant Director in the Ministry Commended the Commission for organising the Summit and the Launch of National Forum for Disability Commissions/ Agencies (NAFDCA)
The Country Director, GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS, Dr. Markus Wagner, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to the Amman, Berlin Declaration and inclusive development, highlighting that GIZ’s interventions have reached over 2,800 persons with disabilities through training, digital inclusion, and financial access programs.
“We envision a world where all persons with disabilities fully enjoy their civil, political, social, and economic rights, a world where inclusion is not an act of charity but a mark of justice,” Dr. Wagner said.
The highlight of the event was the inauguration of the National Forum of Disability Commissions and Agencies (NAFDCA), performed by the Honourable Minister of State for Humanitarian Dr Yusuf Tanko Sanunu.
The Summit concluded with a collective call for strengthened partnerships between government, development partners, the media, and civil society to accelerate implementation of the Disability Act.
Signed
Ishaku Kigbu (anipr)
Head Media & Publicity
National Commission Persons with Disabilities
30th October, 2025
