ECOWAS Gifts 670 Assistive Devices to Children with Disabilities

ECOWAS Donates Assistive Devices to Children with Disabilities in Nigeria

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has made a significant contribution by donating 670 assistive devices and related items to children with disabilities in Nigeria. This gesture underscores the regional body’s commitment to promoting social inclusion and ensuring that vulnerable citizens, particularly those with disabilities, are not left behind.

The donation was formally handed over to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) during a ceremony in Abuja. The package included a wide range of essential items such as 10 laptops, 100 wheelchairs, 100 wide-brim hats, 50 tricycles, 50 armpit crutches, and 100 white canes, among others. These items bring the total number of donated assistive devices to 670.

Commitment to Social Inclusion

Speaking at the event, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, emphasized the importance of this initiative. She stated that the program aligns with the Revised ECOWAS Treaty and the bloc’s Vision 2050, which prioritizes social inclusion as a key component of regional integration.

Sarr highlighted that the pilot phase of the ECOWAS Regional Assistive Devices Programme for Children with Disabilities was launched in 2024, targeting Nigeria and Togo after a 2021 regional study revealed a critical shortage of assistive devices across West Africa.

She described assistive technology as a fundamental right recognized under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities but lamented that access remains highly unequal. Citing the WHO-UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology, she noted that while nearly 90% of assistive technology needs are met in high-income countries, access falls below three percent in some low-income countries.

Barriers to Disability Inclusion

Sarr identified several barriers to disability inclusion in the sub-region, including the high cost of equipment, inadequate public policies, a shortage of trained professionals, dependence on imported devices, and poor access in rural communities. She urged governments, development partners, and the private sector to work together to ensure sustainable, affordable, and equitable access to assistive technologies across ECOWAS member states.

Impact on Nigeria

Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan, expressed gratitude for ECOWAS’ support, noting that more than 26 million Nigerians require one form of assistive technology or another. He emphasized that demand for quality, affordable, and appropriate assistive products continues to outstrip supply.

Gufwan explained that the commission has focused on strengthening Nigeria’s assistive technology ecosystem through proper assessment, prescription, fitting, user education, and follow-up services. He disclosed that the commission recently established a dedicated Assistive Device and Technology Unit and, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and development partners, developed the Nigerian Priority Assistive Products List, the Investment Case for Assistive Technology in Nigeria, and the National Assistive Technology Scale-Up Plan.

Broader Implications

Representing the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Special Technical Adviser Daniel Gundu Dalliof, described the donation as more than a humanitarian gesture. He stated that these devices represent dignity restored, independence regained, and doors reopened. He emphasized that supporting persons with disabilities is critical to addressing poverty in vulnerable households.

Representing the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Engineer Kaura Joseph Wakili praised the donation, stating that it demonstrates ECOWAS’ commitment to inclusion and empowerment. He urged more development partners and corporate organizations to support disability inclusion initiatives.

Collaborative Efforts

Representing the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), the organization’s Director of Finance and Administration highlighted the life-changing impact of assistive devices for children with disabilities. She revealed that CHAI partnered with the NCPWD to conduct Nigeria’s first national assessment of assistive technology capacity, leading to the development of the country’s Priority Assistive Products List covering 44 essential products.

Representing Sightsavers, Esther Bature, Country Advocacy Coordinator, emphasized the organization’s belief in equal opportunities for all persons with disabilities. She highlighted Sightsavers’ support for policy development, system strengthening, and the development of the National Accessibility Regulation to improve access to public facilities and schools for persons with disabilities.

Ongoing Commitment

Also speaking, representative of CBM International, Taiye Olunloyo, commended ECOWAS for the donation and praised the leadership of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs for advancing disability inclusion. Olunloyo reiterated CBM International’s commitment to collaborating with governments and development partners to ensure that “the journey of leaving no one behind is achieved.”