The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment have agreed to explore strategic collaboration to expand economic opportunities for persons with disabilities across Nigeria....
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment have agreed to explore strategic collaboration to expand economic opportunities for persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
The proposed partnership will focus on inclusive trade, industrialisation, entrepreneurship and the creative economy, including opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) WKND 2026.
The agreement followed a courtesy visit by the commission’s delegation to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, in Abuja.
The Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Ayuba Burki Gufwan, represented by the commission’s Director of Social Integration, Lawrence Idemudia, said the engagement was aimed at establishing a formal institutional partnership with the ministry.
Gufwan said the commission was already working with Peace for Humanity Foundation and Discovering Ability in Disability Initiative (DADI) to promote skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and empowerment through the creative industries.
He commended Oduwole for advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in industrialisation, the growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and trade expansion.
According to him, the proposed partnership aligns with the commission’s mandate under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which provides for the protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of Nigerians with disabilities.
Gufwan stressed that disability inclusion should be treated as an economic priority rather than an act of charity.
“15% of Nigeria’s population who are Persons with Disabilities cannot be left out of trade and industrialisation plans,” he said.
He added that excluding persons with disabilities from productive work and business opportunities could cost Nigeria an estimated five to seven per cent of its gross domestic product potential annually.
“We are not here to ask for charity. We are here to unlock a 35.5 million-strong market of consumers, producers, and entrepreneurs through the creative industry and trade and investment strategies,” he said.
Responding, Oduwole assured the commission of the ministry’s support, saying it would explore ways to ensure that persons with disabilities benefit from its ongoing programmes and projects.
She noted that the ministry had received recognition for its commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion, adding that its trade and investment initiatives could provide opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The minister cited the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework as one of the platforms through which inclusive trade opportunities could be explored.
She also highlighted CANEX WKND 2026 as a platform for trade, investment, enterprise development and market access, saying qualified persons with disabilities could benefit from the initiative.
Oduwole subsequently directed officials of the ministry, the commission and its partners to establish a Technical Working Committee to identify areas of collaboration and develop strategies for integrating persons with disabilities into the ministry’s programmes.
Talent development, agriculture in proposed partnership
Among the commission’s requests is the formal inclusion of its members and entrepreneurs with disabilities in the ministry’s business, investment and creative industry programmes.
It also sought the minister’s approval for the NCPWD to showcase the creative talents of persons with disabilities at CANEX WKND 2026.
The commission further proposed collaboration on a national reality television talent hunt organised in partnership with DADI.
The proposed programme is expected to identify, train and mentor participants in music, comedy, acting, fashion design, visual arts, dance, culinary arts, content creation and assistive technology innovation, among other fields.
Another proposal is the Farm City Project, which the commission is developing in partnership with Peace for Humanity Foundation to promote agricultural enterprise, career development and business opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The NCPWD said integrating the initiatives into the ministry’s empowerment and small-business development programmes could help participants build sustainable livelihoods, create wealth and reduce poverty.
The commission’s Media and Publicity Unit issued the statement on 26 October 2026.