National Population Commission, NPC, said situational data mapping is essential to understand the challenges faced by children with disabilities and develop sustainable, inclusive and evidence-based solutions for them.
Chairman of the commission, Mr Nasir Kwarra said this yesterday in Abuja during the launch of Ojay Ajaifia Foundation for Children with Disabilities, OFCD, held to promote inclusion.
OFCD is dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities and amplifying the voices of children living with disabilities across Nigeria, focusing on their needs, rights, and empowerment through various advocacy and support initiatives.
Kwarra, represented by the Deputy Director of Civil Registration and Statistics, Mr Yusuf Saka, noted that in Nigeria, children with disabilities often encounter serious barriers to education, healthcare and inclusion.
“Data mapping can help identify these barriers and develop targeted innovations.
“Let me emphasise that the mandate of NPC includes gathering data related to births, deaths, disabilities and demographic characteristics.
“We possess the tools to capture data on children with disabilities. With accurate data, we can identify priority areas, allocate resources, build inclusive programmes and policies, and measure progress and long-term impact.
“Let us join efforts to harness the power of data in building a more inclusive and equitable society for children with disabilities in Nigeria,” he urged, calling for collaboration and commitment.
The Founder of OFCD, Mrs Ojay Ajaifia said children with disabilities are often hidden, unheard, unsupported and face multiple layers of stigma, systemic neglect, social rejection and other structural or attitudinal barriers.
“That realisation ignited a calling in me. This foundation rests on a simple, powerful belief, every child, regardless of disability, deserves dignity, opportunity, visibility, hope and a chance to thrive.
“We are not merely launching a foundation; we are igniting a movement for change. Every child with a disability is a star. With support, stars can rise and shine brightly,” she said.
She urged government to enforce existing accessibility policies for persons with disabilities, noting that many public facilities lack ramps, accessible toilets or infrastructure for people who use wheelchairs.
“We still have schools, hospitals and public buildings that are inaccessible. Government must enforce policies so that every new construction includes ramps, rails, accessible paths and other inclusive features,” she said.
She explained that the foundation is launching its data mapping programme because there is no current and accurate data, most children captured in the previous census had now grown into adulthood.
Also speaking, the Founder of Cedar Seed Foundation, Ms Lois Auta, stressed the significance of education, enablement, empowerment and encouragement in shaping the future of children with disabilities across Nigeria.
She urged government to act intentionally by allocating specific budget lines for inclusive infrastructure and services under the Federal Ministry of Education to support the enrollment of children with disabilities.
“This would help ensure that children with disabilities are considered during planning and implementation stages, especially in enrollment, curriculum access and learning outcomes,” Auta said.
A polio survivor, Ms Onyinyechi Eberegu, disclosed her story of resilience and determination, recalling how she overcame discrimination, neglect and lack of support to become her family’s first graduate.
“I urge parents, don’t give up on children with disabilities. Do not hide them. Disability is not a death sentence. It is simply a different way of living, not the end.
“With love, support and the right environment, every child with a disability can thrive, succeed and lead a life full of purpose, pride and dignity,” she added, encouraging families and caregivers.
