By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, NCPWD and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment are exploring strategic collaboration to expand economic opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs) through inclusive trade and entrepreneurship.
The proposed partnership was discussed during a courtesy visit by the Commission to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. Jumoke Oduwole, in her office in Abuja.
Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, represented by the Commission’s Director of Social Integration, Lawrence Idemudia, said the visit was aimed at securing institutional support for disability inclusion in the Ministry’s programmes, particularly the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2026.
Gufwan commended Oduwole for advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in industrialisation, the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises, MSMEs, and trade expansion.
He noted that the Commission, established under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, is mandated to protect and promote the rights and welfare of Nigerians with disabilities.
According to him, disability inclusion must be recognised as an economic imperative rather than an act of charity, stressing that millions of Nigerians with disabilities possess untapped entrepreneurial, creative and productive potential.
“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.
He added that the Commission was already collaborating with Peace for Humanity Foundation and Discovering Ability in Disability Initiative (DADI) on skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and creative industry empowerment.
Responding, Oduwole assured the Commission of her Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities benefit from its ongoing programmes and initiatives. She highlighted opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework and other trade and investment platforms.
The Minister also identified CANEX WKND 2026 as an avenue for qualified persons with disabilities to showcase their talents, access markets and develop their enterprises.
She consequently directed representatives of the Ministry, the Commission and its partners to establish a Technical Working Committee to identify practical areas of collaboration and promote PWD participation in relevant programmes.
Among the Commission’s proposals were the inclusion of PWD entrepreneurs in trade and investment initiatives, approval for a disability-focused creative showcase at CANEX WKND 2026, and collaboration on a proposed national reality television talent hunt for PWDs covering music, comedy, fashion, acting, visual arts and other creative fields.
