The Nigerian National Disability Summit 2025 - A Turning Point for Disability Inclusion in Nigeria

Supported by Germany through GIZ, the European Union, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the Summit brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including government institutions, Civil Society, the Private Sector, and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).

Under the theme “Inclusive Nigeria: Empowering Persons with Disabilities for Sustainable Development,” this two-day event served as a vital platform for robust discussions addressing the pressing issues faced by approximately 35.5 million persons with disabilities in Nigeria. Development partners such as the German and Swiss Governments, the European Union, GIZ Nigeria, Sightsavers, Christian Blind Mission (CBM), and The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in the pursuit of a more inclusive society.

A key highlight of the Summit was the official launch of the National Forum of Disability Commissions and Agencies (NAFDCA) and draft of the National Action Plan on Disability Inclusion. This new coordination platform aims to strengthen intergovernmental collaboration and ensure effective implementation of disability rights policies nationwide. NAFDCA is expected to enhance accountability and promote shared responsibility for disability inclusion across all sectors. 

In his opening remarks, Ayuba Burki Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, expressed optimism about the Summit’s potential to galvanize national action. He stated, “The National Disability Summit is a call to action for all stakeholders to come together and address the challenges that hinder the full participation of persons with disabilities.” He emphasized the Commission's commitment to integrating disability inclusion into Nigeria’s broader development agenda, focusing on sustainable solutions to improve the quality of life for millions.

The Summit featured interactive panel sessions, thematic workshops, and exhibitions showcasing innovative solutions designed to enhance accessibility and empowerment for persons with disabilities. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions on inclusive employment, digital accessibility, and the development of accessible infrastructure, all aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, Honourable Minister of State for the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, representing His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, emphasized that “inclusion must be a standard of justice and development.” He commended valuable national and international partnerships in the journey and called for alignment among these partnerships. He also reassured the government’s commitment to ensuring the participation of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities in policies that affect their lives and communities.

Dr. Karin Jansen, Head of Cooperation representing the German Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, reminded attendees of the Amman-Berlin Declaration adopted during the Global Disability Summit 2025 in Berlin. This declaration commits to ensuring that 15% of all development interventions directly advance disability inclusion by 2028. “This is a target but also a promise to millions of people waiting to be seen, heard, and included,” she stated. Dr. Jansen reiterated Germany’s commitment to working with Nigeria to implement targeted inclusive actions, ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind. 

“Together we can transform policies into tangible outcomes and ensure that the rights, aspirations, and talents of persons with disabilities are fully recognized and integrated into Nigeria’s development journey,” she added.

Dr. Markus Wagner, Country Director of GIZ Nigeria, highlighted that inclusion should be viewed as a principle of justice rather than charity. He also shared progress made in providing an inclusive environment and opportunities through GIZ, emphasizing achievements in project implementation on behalf of the German Government, the European Union, and other partners. Together with Nigerian partners, GIZ has reached over 2,800 persons with disabilities, providing interventions in areas such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training, entrepreneurship promotion, digital inclusion, skills development, financial inclusion, conflict transformation, and livelihoods support.

Through the Boosting the Rights of Individuals with Disabilities in Africa (BRIDGE Africa) project, backed by an €8 million commitment, GIZ, on behalf of the German Government, supports Nigeria by strengthening umbrella organisations, improving disability data, and amplifying the voices of women, girls, and young PWDs in governance and economic life. Working closely with the African Union Commission and local partners, the initiative also promotes active participation in high-level platforms such as the 2025 Global Disability Summit in Berlin.  

On the ground, Germany’s inclusive programming through GIZ delivers tangible impact. In Edo State, over 100 PWDs and other vulnerable groups have been trained in entrepreneurship and financial management, paving pathways to independence. Collaborations with organisations like the Association for Women with Disabilities in Nigeria (AWWDI) have spurred workplace reforms, introducing accessible infrastructure and staff sensitization on disability inclusion, creating environments where ability, not limitation, defines opportunity.   

German funding through the Chistian Blind Mission and other German NGOs has also targeted humanitarian and regional interventions that reach people with disabilities. For example, recent German humanitarian allocations include multi-million-euro support for disability-sensitive services in northern Nigeria, illustrating a sustained financing commitment. 

The Summit concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively toward breaking down systemic barriers and fostering an inclusive environment for persons with disabilities. As Nigeria continues to make strides in legislative and institutional progress, the NCPWD aims to ensure that disability inclusion remains a priority in the nation's development agenda.

Reflecting on the outcomes of the National Disability Summit 2025, it is evident that the journey toward an inclusive Nigeria is well underway. The collective efforts of all stakeholders will be crucial in realizing the vision of a society where every citizen can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Author: Charlotte Tamekloe, PR& Communications Advisor GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS