The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting equal access and participation for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) across all sectors of national life.
Presidential aide Mohammed Isa stated this on Tuesday in Abuja during the official unveiling of the National Certificates of Compliance for the effective enforcement of the National Disability Act 2018. The event was organized by the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD).
Isa, who serves as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, described the initiative as a major step toward strengthening the implementation of the Act.
“I commend the commission under the leadership of the Executive Secretary, Mr. Ayuba Gufwan, and his team for this laudable milestone,” Isa said. “The unveiling of this certificate creates an opportunity to deepen collaboration across government, the private sector, and civil society to build an environment where PWDs can thrive. With this roll-out, contractors must now comply with accessibility standards before contracts can be approved.”
He emphasized that the certificates will help drive compliance with building accessibility codes, giving “practical meaning” to the rights of PWDs. Isa, however, called for stronger legal backing from the National Assembly to make possession of the compliance certificate mandatory for contractors, organizations, and offices nationwide.
“To sustain this effort, contractors, organizations, and the public must be educated on the importance of the certificate,” he added, recommending training for professionals in the building and service sectors, as well as robust monitoring systems with both penalties and incentives.
“Today’s unveiling is more than a ceremony—it is a message that Nigeria is moving from policy to action and from intention to impact. Together, we can build an inclusive society where no one is left behind,” Isa concluded.
Also speaking, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, represented by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Patience Oyekunle, described the initiative as a milestone in tackling discrimination against persons with disabilities.
She said the 2018 Disability Act will be implemented in line with provisions that guarantee equity, access, and inclusiveness, adding that public service remains committed to fairness and non-discrimination under the 2021 service rules.
“I commend the commission for its leadership and urge all stakeholders to support the drive toward a more inclusive Nigeria, where disability is never a barrier to participation or opportunity,” she said.
In his remarks, Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Ayuba Gufwan, explained that the National Accessibility Regulations 2023 serve as subsidiary legislation under the 2018 Act.
He outlined the certification process, which includes:
- National Accessibility Compliance Certificates for property owners,
- National Disability Certificates for companies and organizations, and
- Provisional Certificates of Compliance for new buildings, where applicable.
Additionally, accessibility experts and disability inclusion trainers will be licensed and certified under the scheme.
“These guidelines, once gazetted, will not only enhance enforcement but also generate revenue for the commission and the Federal Government,” Gufwan said, noting that the process will be administered by relevant departments within the commission.