NPC COLLABORATES WITH NCPWD TO ADDRESS DISABILITY DATA GAPS IN NIGERIA

Today, NPC Chairman Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, fnsa, received in audience the newly appointed Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Dr. Ayuba Burki Gufwan and his team at the NPC's Headquarters, Abuja.

This crucial dialogue aimed to address the urgent need for accurate data regarding persons living with disabilities in Nigeria.

Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Dr. Gufwan highlighted significant challenges stemming from the lack of reliable, disaggregated data on persons with disabilities, which hampers effective policy-making and planning.

Dr. Gufwan expressed concern, stating, "We don't know the actual number of persons with disabilities, how many are graduates, or the gender breakdown." He emphasized that the current estimates of 35.5 million individuals with disabilities are based on unreliable figures, underscoring the necessity for precise statistics.

In response, NPC Chairman, Hon. Kwarra congratulated Dr. Gufwan on his recent appointment and affirmed the NPC's commitment to leveraging its extensive geospatial data. He explained that the upcoming Population and Housing Census is critical for acquiring accurate information about people with disabilities, including their demographics, education levels, and employment status. "We have included specific questions about disabilities in our census questionnaire and plan to actively involve persons with disabilities in the process," Kwarra stated.

Highlighting NPC's accessibility initiatives, Kwarra noted, "We have provided facilities to aid the movement of persons with disabilities in our offices and have also transcribed some publications into Braille." This commitment to inclusivity reflects NPC's determination to create an environment conducive to all citizens.

Dr. Eyitayo Oyetunji, the NPC Federal Commissioner for Oyo State and Chairman of the Public Affairs Committee, encouraged Dr. Gufwan and his team to advocate for the upcoming census. He proposed that NCPWD collaborate with NPC on specialized surveys focused on persons with disabilities to further enhance the understanding of their needs.

Dr. Osifo Tellson Ojogun, Director-General of NPC, commented on the recent Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), which included data on persons with disabilities, stating that while valuable, it cannot match the accuracy of census data. He reiterated the importance of the census for establishing a comprehensive profile of Nigeria’s disabled population.

This meeting marks a significant step toward a data-driven approach to disability policy in Nigeria, fostering collaboration between the NPC and NCPWD. By working together, these two Commissions aim to ensure that the voices of persons with disabilities are heard and their needs are met, paving the way for a more inclusive society.