The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has once again pledged its commitment to advancing disability inclusion in Nigeria.
This statement of resolve came during a courtesy visit by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to the Agency’s headquarters.
Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director General of the NOA, emphasized that despite the lack of perfect data on disability, it should never be an obstacle to taking meaningful action.
Issa-Onilu highlighted the importance of accessible infrastructure, including inclusive building designs, dedicated parking spaces, and user-friendly public amenities, urging that these should be proactively implemented in alignment with existing laws.
He stressed that a shift must occur from charity-based support for people with disabilities (PWDs) to one focused on empowerment.
“This is about equipping people with disabilities with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to assert their rights and live up to their full potential, both at the local and national”
He further underscored the need for systemic change, urging the removal of barriers—both political and social—that restrict PWDs from fully participating in society.
The DG also cautioned against tokenism, emphasizing that true inclusion must guarantee dignity, accessibility, and full participation for all citizens.
The NOA’s extensive presence across Nigeria, including its grassroots structures and media platforms, was identified as a key asset to raising awareness and driving community engagement around the rights of people with disabilities.
In response, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, expressed his gratitude for NOA’s ongoing support and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to working with the Agency to fully implement the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
Gufwan shared some of the chronic challenges faced by PWDs in Nigeria, including unreliable population data, underfunding, and limited enforcement of accessibility standards.
He also pointed out the serious gap between Nigeria’s officially recorded PWD population of 2.6 million and more current estimates that place it between 35.5 million and 38 million.
Drawing comparisons with South Korea, Gufwan noted that the nation’s strong institutional support and guaranteed employment for people with disabilities ensure no one is left behind.
He called for Nigeria to adopt similar practices to enhance the living conditions and opportunities for PWDs in the country.
Both Issa-Onilu and Gufwan agreed on the urgent need for concrete actions, public sensitization, and systemic reforms to create a more inclusive, equitable society. As part of the collaboration, it was decided that a Joint Committee of the NOA and NCPWD will be established.
This committee will focus on areas of collaboration such as enhancing nationwide awareness, strengthening the implementation of the Disability Act, and ensuring full inclusivity for people with disabilities in all aspects of national life.
The partnership between the two agencies marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to create a more inclusive society where people with disabilities are empowered, respected, and fully integrated into the country’s social, economic, and political life.