The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has unveiled three groundbreaking certificates that not only enforce Nigeria’s Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2023 and the Accessibility Regulations, 2023, but also position the country as a forward-looking destination for tourism, investment, and inclusive development.
The certificates, the National Accessibility Compliance Certificate, National Disability Compliance Certificate, and Provisional Accessibility Compliance Certificate are designed to set Nigeria on a path toward global best practices in accessibility across public buildings, transport systems, tourism facilities, and digital infrastructure.
While speaking at the launch, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, said the initiative represents “a historic milestone” in Nigeria’s disability inclusion journey, benefiting the country’s 35.5 million persons with disabilities while boosting its international reputation.
“Accessibility is not a privilege but a fundamental human right,” Gufwan said. “By adopting these compliance standards, we are creating a Nigeria where persons with disabilities can participate fully and where investors, development partners, and tourists see a nation that prioritizes inclusion.”
The certificates are expected to promote compliance with national accessibility benchmarks across sectors; Encourage accountability and recognition for organizations that prioritize inclusion; Foster inclusive growth by ensuring equitable access to services, opportunities, and public spaces; and Strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness as an accessible destination for international conferences, tourism, and business ventures.
Director of Compliance and Enforcement, Barr. Ikem Uchegbulam, described the unveiling as both symbolic and practical, adding that “today’s launch is more than certificates, it is about creating the enabling environment where accessibility fuels development, tourism, and inclusive growth.”
The representative of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Didi Walson-Jack, Mrs. Patience Oyekwale emphasized that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) must comply fully, noting that inclusivity is now a governance and economic imperative.
In his goodwill message, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isah, hailed the Commission’s leadership for initiating a framework that would “usher in the full implementation of the Act while opening Nigeria up to global opportunities.”
The highlight of the ceremony was the formal unveiling of the certificates by Mrs. Oyekwale, followed by commendations from dignitaries who stressed that accessible infrastructure is key to making Nigeria more attractive for tourism, investment, and international partnership.
