Presidential Aide Abba Isa Engages ECN DG on Inclusive Energy Policies
By Lanre Oloyede
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, on Thursday paid an advocacy visit to the Director-General and Chief Executive of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The presidential aide engaged the ECN leadership on the need to strengthen collaboration between his office and the Energy Commission of Nigeria, particularly in promoting inclusive energy policies, accessible infrastructure, and expanded opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) within Nigeria’s energy sector.
Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing inclusive development and ensuring that no one is left behind in the nation’s energy transition and reform agenda.
The visit, according to the SSA, aligns with the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which requires proactive efforts to mainstream disability perspectives across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as sub-national structures, in national development planning and implementation.
Abba Isa expressed concern over what he described as the persistent neglect and exclusion of PWDs in the energy sector, stressing the need for deliberate policies that guarantee accessibility, representation, and equal opportunities for vulnerable groups.
He further emphasized that disability inclusion in the energy value chain is not only a matter of social justice but also a driver of innovation and sustainable development, urging the Commission to integrate inclusive design principles into its programmes and infrastructure planning.
In his response, the Director-General of the ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, welcomed the advocacy initiative and assured the delegation of the Commission’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the Office of the SSA, noting that inclusive energy access remains critical to achieving Nigeria’s broader development goals.
