The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) across different sectors in Nigeria.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Abba Isa, stated this on Wednesday during the public presentation of an assumptive disability disaggregated data report compiled by the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD).

Isa commended JONAPWD for developing the database, describing it as an important tool that will assist policymakers, development partners, researchers and advocates working to advance disability inclusion in Nigeria.

He explained that the dataset would also aid the Federal Government in establishing a statutory and official database for vulnerable groups, particularly Persons With Disabilities.

According to him, the absence of accurate and comprehensive data on PWDs has long been a major challenge for stakeholders, policymakers and development organisations working in the disability sector.

“For many years, the lack of credible, comprehensive and disaggregated data on Persons With Disabilities has remained one of the most serious challenges confronting policymakers and development partners in Nigeria,” Isa said.

He noted that estimates of the number of persons living with disabilities in the country have varied widely, with some projections placing the figure at about 25 million, while others estimate it to be between 35 and 40 million.

However, he explained that these figures are often based on assumptions or incomplete information.

“Without reliable data, even the best intentions to promote inclusion cannot translate into meaningful impact. Accurate data is essential for effective planning, policy development, programme implementation and achieving development goals,” he added.

Isa further stressed that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government remains committed to supporting initiatives that provide credible evidence and strengthen institutional capacity to design inclusive policies and programmes.

Speaking at the event, the National President of JONAPWD, Abdullahi Aliyu Usman, said the disaggregated data highlights key issues affecting the disability community and underscores the importance of reliable statistics in addressing them.

Usman explained that the aim of the report is to close the longstanding gaps created by the absence of detailed disability data, which has limited effective programme design, fair distribution of resources and evidence-based policymaking.

“Our objective in producing this assumptive report is to address the persistent gaps caused by the lack of comprehensive disability data—gaps that have hindered effective programme planning, equitable resource allocation and informed policymaking for far too long,” he said.

He also emphasised that the report draws attention to gender-related issues within disability demographics.

According to him, women with disabilities often experience multiple layers of marginalisation, including restricted access to education, economic exclusion, gender-based violence and cultural barriers that silence their voices.

Usman noted that addressing disability concerns without also considering gender issues would be insufficient.

“Disability inclusion must also address gender disparities. Both issues need to be integrated into every planning and policy framework,” he said.

He expressed hope that the report would serve not only as a statistical reference but also as a strong call for action to promote inclusive development for Persons With Disabilities across the country.