Introduction to National Forum of Disability Commissions and Agencies
The Federal Government has concluded plans to establish a National Forum of Disability Commissions and Agencies to enhance coordination and promote effective disability governance across states. Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Mr Ayuba Gufwan, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during a two-day inauguration workshop for the forum.
Objective of the National Forum
Gufwan said the forum aimed to strengthen collaboration between the national commissions and state-level disability commissions to create a shared vision for inclusion across Nigeria. “It’s about creating a shared vision for inclusion, one where every state contributes to and benefits from a coordinated national system that empowers persons with disabilities to live in dignity, equality, and independence,” he said.
Functions of the National Forum
According to him, the forum will identify priority areas for action and advocacy, particularly in education, while fostering partnerships among federal and state disability agencies. “It will serve as a bridge, a platform for fair learning, networking, and coordination among disability stakeholders across all states,” Gufwan added.
Challenges Faced by Persons with Disabilities
Delivering a keynote address, Dr Deji Ademefun of ActionAid Nigeria, said many Nigerians with disabilities still faced exclusion in education, employment, and political participation due to systemic barriers. Speaking on the topic “Progressing on Disability-Inclusive Development in Nigeria: Moving from Policy to Practice through Effective Intergovernmental Relations,” he urged the government to move from policy declarations to practical implementation.
Progress Made So Far
Indeed, Nigeria has made remarkable progress in establishing policy and legal frameworks that affirm the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. He cited the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act 2018 and the creation of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities as landmark milestones in advancing inclusion. “These steps demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to the Sustainable Development Goals principle of leaving no one behind,” he noted.
Need for Practical Implementation
However, he stressed that “policies and laws alone do not change things, practice does,” calling for increased budgetary commitments and data-driven planning. “The budget allocation for disability inclusion remains largely symbolic, while data on persons with disabilities is often fragmented or outdated, making effective planning difficult,” Ademefun said.
Conclusion
The establishment of the National Forum of Disability Commissions and Agencies is a step in the right direction towards promoting disability governance and inclusion in Nigeria. However, there is a need for practical implementation of policies and increased budgetary commitments to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the National Forum of Disability Commissions and Agencies?
The purpose of the National Forum is to enhance coordination and promote effective disability governance across states. - What are the functions of the National Forum?
The functions of the National Forum include identifying priority areas for action and advocacy, fostering partnerships among federal and state disability agencies, and serving as a platform for learning, networking, and coordination among disability stakeholders. - What challenges do persons with disabilities face in Nigeria?
Persons with disabilities in Nigeria face exclusion in education, employment, and political participation due to systemic barriers. - What progress has Nigeria made in advancing disability inclusion?
Nigeria has made progress in establishing policy and legal frameworks that affirm the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, including the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act 2018 and the creation of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
