NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Press Release 2 September, 2025 NCPWD TO PARTNER AFRICA INCLUSIVE ECONOMY SUMMIT TO ADVANCE DISABILITY-INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), under the leadership of its Executive Secretary, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities in Nigeria are fully integrated into economic growth and development processes. This assurance was given during a strategic meeting with the delegation of the Africa Inclusive Economy Summit for Persons with Disabilities, led by its Project Coordinator, Dr. Bunmi Kole Dawodu, held at the NCPWD headquarters in Abuja. The Africa Inclusive Economy Summit, an international initiative championed by Nigerian-born British innovator His Grace Alexander, seeks to create sustainable platforms that connect innovators, entrepreneurs, and governments across Africa and beyond in promoting inclusive economic opportunities for persons with disabilities. Speaking at the meeting, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan emphasized that with over 35.5 million Nigerians living with disabilities, deliberate policies and partnerships must be harnessed to break the chains of exclusion and expand opportunities in education, employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation. > “The world is now a global village. Whether the Summit holds in London, Nigeria, or elsewhere, the most important outcome is the empowerment of persons with disabilities and their full integration into national and continental development. Nigeria, with the largest disability population in Africa, must play a pivotal role in shaping this conversation. We at the Commission will do everything possible to ensure that our people benefit maximally from this initiative,” Gufwan said. He highlighted the stark reality that less than 3% of Nigerians with disabilities are currently in gainful employment, calling it a staggering figure that underscores the urgency of interventions such as the Africa Inclusive Economy Summit. > “Economic empowerment is key. Political rights mean little without economic inclusion. Opportunities like this Summit will provide a platform for our people to showcase their skills, innovations, and resilience. We are committed to partnering with credible organizations to rewrite the story of disability in Nigeria,” he added. In his remarks, Dr. Bunmi Kole Dawodu, Project Coordinator of the Summit, explained that the initiative is entirely self-sponsored, driven by passionate advocates across Africa and the UK. He expressed gratitude to the Commission for its readiness to collaborate, stressing that Nigeria’s leadership and participation are vital to the success of the 2026 Summit scheduled to hold in London. > “Nigeria remains a leading light in disability inclusion in Africa. This Summit is designed to connect innovators and creators with opportunities that can transform lives. We are delighted that the Commission has assured us of its full support, and we look forward to showcasing Nigerian innovators and leaders at the global stage,” Dawodu said. The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to work out modalities for deeper collaboration, including nominating Nigerian innovators with disabilities to participate in the London Summit, while exploring the possibility of hosting future editions in Nigeria or other African countries. The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities reiterated its readiness to partner with all stakeholders committed to advancing the rights, empowerment, and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Ishaku Kigbu (anipr) Head, Media & Publicity National Commission for Persons with Disabilities