By Lanre Oloyede
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has described the unveiling of the National Disability Certificates of Compliance by the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD) as a bold signal that Nigeria is shifting “from policy to action, and from intention to impact.”
Hon. Abba Isa stated this on Tuesday during the official roll-out of the National Certificates of Compliance for the implementation of the National Disability Act, 2018.
The Commission introduced three certificates — the National Accessibility Compliance Certificate, National Disability Compliance Certificate, and Provisional Accessibility Compliance Certificate — aimed at enforcing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 and the Accessibility Regulations, 2023.
The Presidential aide commended the leadership of the Commission under its Executive Secretary, Barr. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, for what he described as a “timely, innovative, and landmark initiative” that will strengthen the implementation of the Disability Act.
“With the roll-out of this compliance certificate, contractors will now be compelled to meet disability requirements before their contracts can be approved. This is a bold and progressive step that will begin to yield visible improvements in compliance with building accessibility codes, workplace inclusion, and service delivery across both public and private sectors,” Abba Isa said.
He added that: “It signals a new dawn where the rights of Persons With Disabilities will be given practical meaning in all spheres of national life.”
The SSA reaffirmed that his office is fully committed to supporting initiatives that promote the effective implementation of the Disability Act. He also stressed that the certificates would serve as a powerful instrument of accountability and urged the National Assembly to provide legal backing that will make possession of the certificates mandatory for all contractors and organizations.
To ensure sustainability, Hon. Abba Isa recommended:
Wider awareness and sensitization for contractors, organizations, and the general public.
Capacity building for professionals in the building and service sectors.
Effective monitoring and enforcement with penalties for default and incentives for compliance.
Strategic partnerships with civil society, professional bodies, and the private sector to deepen advocacy.
Speaking at the launch, Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, emphasized that accessibility is a right, not a privilege.
“These certificates will encourage compliance with standards, promote accountability, and celebrate organizations that prioritize inclusion. Together, we are building a Nigeria where no one is left behind,” he said.
The certificates are expected to guide institutions and organizations in meeting national accessibility standards, reward compliance, and strengthen disability inclusion across public infrastructure, transportation, and ICT. They will also generate revenue for both the Commission and the Federal Government, creating a sustainable funding channel for disability programs.
Representing the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, a Permanent Secretary in her office, Mrs. Patience Onyekere, noted that the unveiling of the certificates marks an important milestone that reflects equity, access, and inclusiveness for all Nigerians.
Also speaking, NCPWD’s Director of Compliance and Enforcement, Barr. Ikem Uchegbulam, described the unveiling as “an honour and a call to action,” urging Nigerians to dismantle barriers that hinder persons with disabilities.
