November 10, 2025 marked another landmark moment for disability advocacy in Nigeria as the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) led a high-level delegation to meet with Dr. Bernard M. Doro, Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the coordinating ministry for disability rights and inclusion in Nigeria.
Led by National President Mr. Abdullahi Usman Aliyu, alongside National Secretary Mr. Ishaiku Adamu, National President Deaf Association of Nigeria Haruna Mohammed and former NCPWD Executive Secretary Mr. James Lalu, the visit aimed to congratulate the Minister on his appointment, acknowledge his long-standing commitment to disability inclusion, and strengthen collaboration with the Ministry.
JONAPWD presented key strategic priorities, including the establishment of Nigeria’s first Disability-Focused World Bank Intervention, the appointment of a Senior Technical Adviser on Disability Affairs, and capacity-building training for Ministry staff. The Association also advocated for dedicated quotas for persons with disabilities in all empowerment and humanitarian programmes.
Importantly, JONAPWD also tabled the Nigerian Government’s commitments from the Global Disability Summit 2025, urging renewed action to fulfill national and international obligations on disability rights.
As Nigeria charts a more inclusive path forward, JONAPWD stands ready to work closely with the Honourable Minister to advance disability inclusion across all humanitarian and social protection programmes. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to constructive partnership, transparency, and national development driven by inclusion and dignity for all