By Joshua Weng Chuwang
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has appealed to Member States of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to adopt and domesticate the ECOWAS Disability Data Accountability Framework as a pathway to inclusive growth and the elimination of long-standing marginalization of persons with disabilities across the sub-region.
The call was made by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, during the Regional Experts Validation Meeting on the ECOWAS Disability Data Accountability Framework held in Abuja.
Representing him at the meeting, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Idowu Iwere, stressed that dependable disability data is critical for shaping responsive policies and delivering services that cater to all.
Delivering the Executive Secretary’s remarks, Mr. Iwere observed that the lack of precise and disaggregated data continues to limit governments’ ability to respond effectively to the needs of persons with disabilities, particularly in sectors such as education, healthcare, employment, and social protection. He emphasized that true inclusion starts with visibility, noting that policy planning cannot be effective without credible data to guide decisions.
Hon. Gufwan also reiterated the Commission’s readiness to work closely with the National Bureau of Statistics, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as Organisations of Persons with Disabilities, to domesticate the Framework within Nigeria.
He further encouraged ECOWAS Member States to enhance their institutional mechanisms for disability data collection and ensure such information is used to shape policies, direct resources appropriately, and guarantee that persons with disabilities are not excluded from national and regional development agendas.
