The 3-Day Stakeholders Consultative Workshop on the development of the National Disability Management Information System (NDMIS) was held from Monday, May 18 to Wednesday, May 20, 2026, with the objective of strengthening disability data collection, coordination, and inclusion planning across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria.
The workshop was organized by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) through its Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS) Department, with technical and financial support from CBM International and Sightsavers. Other development partners and stakeholders in attendance included the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, ECOWAS, GIZ, and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), alongside key disability sector actors and government institutions.
Objective of the Workshop
The engagement aimed to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, harmonize data systems, define institutional roles, and develop a standardized framework for integrating disability-disaggregated data into national planning and development processes.
Opening Ceremony
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, who served as Special Guest of Honour, delivered a powerful goodwilll message and commended the NCPWD for the timely initiative.
He emphasized the importance of a robust and reliable disability data system as a foundation for evidence-based policymaking, inclusion, and sustainable development. He also provided strategic recommendations for improving disability-disaggregated data systems in Nigeria.
Technical Sessions
The workshop featured technical presentations and interactive sessions aimed at aligning Nigeria’s proposed system with global standards. Key areas covered included:
✓Global best practices in disability data systems
✓Emerging trends in disability data governance
✓International frameworks including:
a. UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)
b. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
c. Washington Group Short Set of Questions
d. WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
e. UNICEF/ILO/World Bank Disability Inclusion Framework
✓Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
✓Stakeholder mapping and institutional roles
✓Technical and institutional capacity requirements
The proposed NDMIS is expected to be fully aligned with these international instruments to ensure global acceptability and interoperability.
Expected Outputs
The workshop produced draft frameworks and tools, including:
✓Draft NDMIS Conceptual Framework
✓Draft WGQS-compliant national disability data collection tool
✓Draft interoperability and data governance framework
✓Draft national action plan for NDMIS development
✓Institutional collaboration matrix
✓Proposed NDMIS Technical Steering Committee
✓ Draft workshop communiqué
Benefits of the NDMIS
The system is expected to:
- Strengthen evidence-based policy and planning
- Improve budgeting and resource allocation
- Enhance inclusive education and social development outcomes
Proposed NDMIS Data Architecture
Key data sources identified for integration into the NDMIS include:
- Population censuses and national surveys
- Health Management Information Systems (HMIS)
- Education Management Information Systems (EMIS)
Group Work Sessions
Participants were divided into four working groups tasked with developing standardized data collection tools and an action plan, to be further validated by stakeholders at a later date.
Key Resolutions and Next Steps
- The NCPWD will convene a follow-up stakeholder meeting on or before May 26, 2026
- Expansion of the NDMIS Technical Committee to include additional relevant stakeholders
- Review and validation of the draft data collection tool scheduled for June 3, 2026
- Development and programming of the NDMIS tool to be completed on or before July 2, 2026
Conclusion
The workshop marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to institutionalize a coordinated and standardized disability data system.
Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration toward building a robust NDMIS that will enhance inclusion, accountability, and national development planning.
Compiled by:
Mr. Lanre Oloyede
Director, Media and Communications (OSSAP-SNEO)
