Gufwan: Inaccurate data on PwDs hindering our strategic plans

Mr. Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), has highlighted that inaccurate data on persons with disabilities (PWDs) is hindering the smooth implementation of the commission’s strategic plan.

Gufwan made this statement on Monday in Abuja during a news conference to mark the 2024 International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

The event, themed “Transformative Solutions for Disability-Inclusive Development in Nigeria,” was organized by the NCPWD in collaboration with Sightsavers Nigeria, The Leprosy Mission in Nigeria, and other partners.

Gufwan emphasized the critical need for accurate data on the population of persons with disabilities, explaining that without specific information on the number of people affected, effective planning and targeted support become difficult.

He noted that having precise data would help the commission better plan programs and policies to support the disability community.

“Currently, the NCPWD lacks specific data on the population of persons with disabilities in Nigeria, making it challenging to advocate for adequate support or targeted programs,” Gufwan said. “Accurate information on the number of men, women, and children with disabilities, as well as their distribution across various disability clusters, will greatly enhance the commission’s ability to support this community effectively.”

He added that he recently met with the leadership of the National Population Commission (NPC) to discuss addressing the lack of reliable data on PWDs in Nigeria.

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This data, including breakdowns by gender, age, and disability type, is essential for budgeting, promoting meaningful inclusion, and developing policies tailored to the needs of persons with disabilities.

Gufwan commended the NPC for its commitment to deploying advanced equipment and workers to capture data on the disability community.

He praised the NPC’s plans for a digital national census, which will use over 760,000 tablets to gather comprehensive data, including information on PWDs.

“This digital approach will ensure accurate, geo-tagged data across Nigeria, providing local-level insights that will support policies and interventions for persons with disabilities,” Gufwan explained.

He concluded by emphasizing that the NCPWD’s collaboration with the NPC marks a significant step in closing the data gap and moving Nigeria closer to fostering a more inclusive environment where persons with disabilities can be properly recognized and supported.