The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Ayuba Gufwan, has called on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to prioritize the inclusion of persons with disabilities particularly the deaf within its workforce.

Gufwan made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja during the graduation ceremony of NSCDC personnel trained in sign language. He emphasized that employing deaf individuals would help bridge the communication gap between security operatives and the deaf community, thereby enhancing accessibility and inclusive service delivery.

He commended the NSCDC for initiating the sign language training, describing it as a strong commitment to disability inclusion and the protection of rights for all citizens.

“Inclusion in the security sector must go beyond communication,” Gufwan stated. “Security is a basic right that should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical ability.”

He explained that equipping officers with sign language skills allows for effective communication with members of the deaf community, moving the country closer to building a safer, more inclusive, and equitable society.

“This initiative is particularly impactful in the Federal Capital Territory, which is home to a diverse and dynamic population,” he noted. “But true inclusion must also address structural barriers, especially in employment.”

Gufwan urged the NSCDC to fulfill its legal obligations by implementing the 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities, as stipulated in the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, and reinforced in the Revised Public Service Rules, 2021.

“I respectfully call on the NSCDC to go beyond training and take deliberate steps to employ qualified deaf individuals. This will not only comply with national laws but also enrich the Corps with the resilience, talent, and determination that persons with disabilities bring to public service,” he said.

He further emphasized the need for ongoing training of NSCDC personnel in sign language and encouraged continued interaction, collaboration, and mutual understanding with the disability community.

Gufwan congratulated the graduating officers, hailing them as “Ambassadors of Inclusion,” and urged them to apply their new skills in service to all Nigerians, especially those seeking security and justice.

“To the officers graduating today, I offer my heartfelt congratulations. Your newly acquired knowledge will elevate your professional competence and make a tangible difference in the lives of many,” he said.

Looking ahead, Gufwan called for deeper collaboration between security institutions and the NCPWD to ensure the sustainability of inclusive security practices.

“Let this milestone not be the end, but rather the beginning of a broader partnership between our institutions as we work toward a more inclusive national security framework,” he said.

He assured that the NCPWD remains committed to supporting security agencies through technical expertise, training programs, and strategic partnerships that promote disability inclusion.

“The Commission stands ready to assist the NSCDC and other security institutions with the necessary tools and resources to uphold the principles of accessibility, fairness, and representation,” Gufwan concluded.

He also commended Data Lead Africa for its leadership in promoting digital inclusion and for playing a key role in equipping security officers with essential sign language skills.