The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reinforced its commitment to disability inclusion and equitable development with the donation of assistive devices to children with disabilities in Nigeria.
The devices were officially handed over to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) recently in Abuja under the ECOWAS Regional Assistive Devices Programme, an initiative aimed at expanding access to essential assistive technologies for children with disabilities across West Africa.
The programme seeks to remove barriers that limit access to education, healthcare, communication, mobility and social participation, enabling children with disabilities to live more independently and participate fully in society.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, said the initiative reflects the regional bloc’s commitment to building an inclusive West Africa where no child is left behind.
She explained that the programme aligns with ECOWAS Vision 2050, which places people, particularly vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, at the centre of regional development.
According to her, access to assistive technology remains one of the greatest challenges facing persons with disabilities across West Africa, despite being recognised as a fundamental human right under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
She noted that although millions of people require assistive devices, only a small proportion have access to them because of high costs and limited availability.
“Through this programme, ECOWAS is working to bridge that gap by ensuring children with disabilities receive the tools they need to learn, communicate, move independently and realise their full potential,” she said.
Representing the Federal Government, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mohammed Abah Isah, described the donation as more than a humanitarian gesture, saying it demonstrates ECOWAS’ commitment to promoting social inclusion, human dignity and equal opportunities across the region.
He said the devices would significantly improve beneficiaries’ mobility, educational opportunities and overall quality of life while supporting efforts to integrate children with disabilities into mainstream society.
Isah also reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to implementing policies that guarantee equal opportunities and full participation for persons with disabilities.
Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan, described the handover as a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to improve access to assistive technology.
He expressed appreciation to ECOWAS for selecting Nigeria as one of the programme’s beneficiary countries, noting that the donated devices would help children with disabilities gain better access to education, healthcare, communication, mobility and independent living.
Development partners at the event commended ECOWAS and the NCPWD for advancing disability inclusion across the region. They noted that the programme has already been implemented in Nigeria and Togo, while similar initiatives are ongoing in Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Benin, The Gambia, Senegal and Guinea.
They called for stronger partnerships to expand access to assistive technologies and strengthen disability-inclusive policies throughout West Africa.
President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Engr. Kaura Joseph Wakili, disclosed that more than 1,000 Nigerian children are expected to benefit from the assistive devices provided under the programme.
The ceremony concluded with the formal presentation of the equipment to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and a renewed commitment by ECOWAS, the Government of Nigeria and development partners to deepen regional cooperation on disability inclusion.
The donated items include 100 wheelchairs, 50 tricycles, 50 standing chairs, 50 bath chairs, 100 white canes, 50 armpit crutches, 50 elbow crutches, 10 laptops, 10 cartons of sunscreen, 100 wide-brim hats and 100 ultraviolet protective sleeves.
The initiative contributes to the broader goal of advancing inclusive and sustainable development by ensuring children with disabilities have the tools and opportunities needed to participate fully in education, community life and the economy across West Africa.
