The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has restated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria, as it seeks stronger collaboration with the Kano State Social Protection Agency (KASPA).
This assurance was given during a courtesy visit by a KASPA delegation to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, welcomed the team and praised KASPA for its consistent interventions in favour of vulnerable groups, including Persons with Disabilities. He said that the Commission is intensifying partnerships with relevant stakeholders to ensure that PWDs in every part of the country are reached.
Hon. Gufwan disclosed that the estimated number of Nigerians living with disabilities has increased from 35.5 million to over 38 million since he assumed office, stressing the urgency of coordinated action.
“We are committed to working with KASPA and other stakeholders to build an inclusive society where Persons with Disabilities can thrive,” he said, adding that collaboration remains central to delivering on the Commission’s mandate.
KASPA, created in 2025 by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is a government agency responsible for coordinating, implementing, and monitoring social protection programmes across Kano State’s 44 local government areas. The agency focuses on reducing poverty, promoting social inclusion, and boosting livelihoods, while improving synergy amongst ministries, departments, and agencies in the social protection space.
Highlighting KASPA’s efforts, its Director General, Dr. Fatima Abdul Abubakar, thanked NCPWD for its support and leadership in promoting disability inclusion nationwide. She explained that KASPA already operates a Disability Department dedicated to social protection for PWDs and revealed plans to establish a Kano State Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
“This will enable us to reach Persons with Disabilities in all the 44 local government areas of Kano State and deepen our social protection interventions,” Dr. Fatima stated. She further noted that KASPA is seeking stronger collaboration with NCPWD in the area of disability data management to better inform policies and programmes.
The engagement between NCPWD and KASPA, stakeholders say, reflects a shared resolve to advance an inclusive Nigeria where Persons with Disabilities are protected, empowered, and given equal opportunities to participate fully in society.
