The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deepened its disability inclusion efforts with the donation of assistive devices to children with disabilities in Nigeria, under a regional programme aimed at expanding access to essential support tools across West Africa.
The intervention formed part of the ECOWAS Regional Programme for the Provision of Assistive Devices to Children with Disabilities, a project implemented in Nigeria and Togo after nearly two years of preparation and coordination.
The initiative is designed to improve access to assistive technology, strengthen national support systems and encourage local production of devices needed by persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Chief Ayuba Gufwan, described the programme as a significant step toward improving dignity, independence and social inclusion for beneficiaries.
He noted that assistive devices would play a critical role in enabling persons with disabilities to access education, employment and community participation, adding that millions across Nigeria still lack adequate support tools.
Gufwan revealed that more than 26 million Nigerians with disabilities require assistive technology, stressing that demand continues to far exceed available supply.
He said the commission has created a dedicated unit to coordinate assistive technology services while working with development partners to improve delivery and access nationwide.
He also disclosed that key policy frameworks, including a national assistive products list and a scale-up plan, have been developed in collaboration with relevant ministries and international partners.
Representing the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Barnard Doro said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to social inclusion and improved welfare for persons with disabilities.
ECOWAS officials said the programme was informed by a 2024 regional study that highlighted major gaps in access to assistive technology across member states.
They added that Nigeria and Togo were selected for the first phase of implementation, with plans to expand the programme to other countries in subsequent stages.
The regional body also emphasised future priorities, including boosting local production of assistive devices, improving disability data systems and advancing inclusive development under ECOWAS Vision 2050.
