NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Press Release September 23, 2025 NCPWD and Nigerian National Association of the Deaf Commemorate International Day of Sign Language The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in collaboration with the Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD), today joined the global community to commemorate the International Day of Sign Language with a renewed call on the National Assembly to recognize Nigerian Sign Language (NSL) as an official language. The event, which commenced with an awareness walk from the National Human Rights Commission to the National Assembly, was held under the global theme “No Human Rights without Sign Language Rights” and the sub-theme “Advancing Deaf Identity and Inclusion Through Nigerian Sign Language Recognition.” In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, commended NNAD for its consistent leadership in advancing the rights of the deaf community. He stressed that sign language is a bridge to inclusion, equality, and human dignity, but remains underutilized and undervalued in Nigeria. > “The lack of recognition and support for sign language in Nigeria is not just an oversight it is a form of discrimination that undermines the daily lives of millions who rely on it,” Hon. Gufwan said. “From accessing education and healthcare to participating in governance and civic life, sign language is central to ensuring equal opportunity and true inclusion.” Hon. Gufwan reaffirmed NCPWD’s advocacy for the recognition of NSL, urging the National Assembly to take bold steps by: Recognizing Nigerian Sign Language (NSL) as an official language, on par with other national languages, to ensure its integration in governance, education, and public life. Developing and implementing enabling policies, including training and deployment of professional interpreters, integration of NSL in schools and healthcare, and ensuring public services are fully accessible. Increasing funding for sign language education and interpreter training, to address the acute shortage of qualified interpreters and promote nationwide use of NSL. The National President of NNAD, Mr. Haruna Muhammad Tsafe, echoed these demands, urging lawmakers to enshrine sign language recognition in the ongoing constitutional review. He referenced Sections 18 and 19 of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which already emphasize the teaching and recognition of NSL. > “Recognizing sign language as an official language is not a privilege, it is a right. It is essential for building an inclusive Nigeria where no citizen is left behind,” Tsafe declared. The Commission and NNAD reaffirmed their joint commitment to advancing disability rights and ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of hearing ability, can live with dignity and full participation. As the global community marks this day, NCPWD calls on all stakeholders, government, civil society, and the private sector to stand together in promoting sign language as a symbol of equality, accessibility, and civilization. Ishaku Kigbu (anipr) Head, Media & Publicity National Commission for Persons with Disabilities