Abuja: Mr Tajudden Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasized that caring for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) is a fundamental human right during the opening of a National Stakeholders Consultation on the 2025 Global Disability Summit (GDS2025) Commitments, organized by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event aimed to unite stakeholders in solidifying Nigeria’s commitments ahead of the 2025 Global Disability Summit in Germany. Abbas, represented by Hon. Bashiru Daudu, Chairman of the House Committee on Disability Matters, assured that the House would continue to support legislation enhancing the dignity and welfare of PwDs. He stated that caring for PwDs is globally recognized as a societal obligation centered on human dignity.
Abbas highlighted the importance of reviewing progress in inclusion and equity for PwDs, identifying gaps, and reinforcing commitments towards a more inclusive future. He emphasized that equity and access for disabled persons are central to humanity and community-building, which underscores the significance of the Global Disability Summit.
Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, represented by Mr Valentine Ezulu, expressed the government’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to fulfill Nigeria’s commitments to PwDs. These commitments include increasing social protection coverage, disability-friendly education, skills acquisition, and promoting digital and financial inclusion.
Yilwatda also noted the ministry’s efforts in implementing accessibility standards in buildings and enhancing partnerships with civil society and international NGOs. Mr Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, noted Nigeria’s leadership in Africa in developing disability-inclusive policies, reaffirming the country’s commitment to advancing the rights of PwDs.
Gufwan recounted Nigeria’s achievements since the 2018 Global Disability Summit, including enacting the Disability Act and developing policy frameworks for disability-inclusive education and social protection. He stated that the upcoming summit provides another opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its dedication to improving the lives of Persons with Disabilities.