The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment are exploring a strategic partnership to promote the economic empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.
The proposed collaboration is expected to create opportunities for persons with disabilities in trade, industrialisation, entrepreneurship and the creative economy.
A press statement signed by Ishaku Kigbu, the Head of the Media and Publicity Unit of the NCPWD, dated October 26, said the development followed a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Ayuba Burki Gufwan, to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, in Abuja.
Gufwan, who was represented by the Commission’s Director of Social Integration, Lawrence Idemudia, said the visit was aimed at establishing an institutional partnership to promote inclusive trade and industrial development, as well as secure opportunities for persons with disabilities at the CANEX WKND 2026 event.
He described the event as an important platform for showcasing creativity and talent, noting that persons with disabilities should be given opportunities to participate in initiatives that promote enterprise, trade and investment.
According to him, the Commission is already collaborating with the Peace for Humanity Foundation and the Discovering Ability in Disability Initiative (DADI) on skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, empowerment and creative industry development.
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.
Gufwan said the proposed partnership aligned with the Commission’s mandate under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which provides a legal framework for promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
He noted that the Commission was established to advance the interests of more than 35.5 million Nigerians living with disabilities.
“Disability inclusion is economic inclusion. Fifteen per cent of Nigeria’s population who are persons with disabilities cannot be left out of trade and industrialisation plans,” he said.
Gufwan added that excluding persons with disabilities from productive employment and business opportunities could cost Nigeria an estimated five to seven per cent of its gross domestic product potential annually.
He also cited global data suggesting that companies with disability-inclusive workforces could benefit from higher productivity and improved market access.
“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.
In her response, Oduwole assured the Commission of her ministry’s commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities benefited from its ongoing programmes and projects.
She said the ministry recognised the importance of diversity, equality and inclusion, adding that its work had earned it an award in recognition of its efforts in these areas.
The minister also identified opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework and the ministry’s trade programmes that could benefit persons with disabilities.
She said CANEX WKND 2026, which focuses on trade, investment, enterprise and market access, offered opportunities for qualified persons with disabilities to showcase their talents and participate in the creative economy.
Oduwole subsequently directed officials of the ministry, the Commission and its partners to establish a Technical Working Committee to identify strategic areas of collaboration and facilitate the participation of persons with disabilities in the ministry’s ongoing and future programmes.
Among the Commission’s requests was the formal inclusion of persons with disabilities and entrepreneurs with disabilities in the ministry’s major trade, investment, business and creative industry initiatives.
It also sought ministerial approval for the NCPWD to showcase the creative talents of persons with disabilities at the creative economy segment of CANEX WKND 2026.
The Commission further proposed collaboration on a national reality television talent hunt show for persons with disabilities, being developed in partnership with DADI.
The proposed programme is expected to identify, train and mentor talents in music, comedy, film and acting, fashion design, visual arts, dance, culinary arts, content creation and assistive technology innovation, among other fields.
The initiative aims to help participants develop their abilities into sustainable economic opportunities.
Another proposal is the Farm City Project, which the Commission is developing in partnership with the Peace for Humanity Foundation to empower persons with disabilities through agriculture, careers and business ventures.
The project is intended to promote wealth creation and reduce poverty among persons with disabilities across the country.
The Commission expressed optimism that integrating the proposed initiatives into the ministry’s empowerment and small and medium-sized enterprise development programmes would significantly expand economic opportunities for persons with disabilities.
