By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
ABUJA – In a major step towards inclusive development across West Africa, the ECOWAS Commission has validated a Regional Disability Data Accountability Framework, aimed at tackling the longstanding lack of reliable and harmonised statistics on persons with disabilities.
The new framework, endorsed following high-level talks in Abuja, seeks to end the invisibility of millions of disabled people in development planning across the region. By bringing together member states, regional institutions, and development partners, the initiative is expected to strengthen national data systems, improve cross-country comparability, and support more targeted policymaking.
Anchored in the ECOWAS Disability Action Plan (2020–2030) and aligned with both continental and global commitments, the framework marks a decisive shift towards evidence-based governance. Officials say it will enable better resource allocation and more inclusive service delivery, particularly in education, healthcare, and social protection.
“No segment of the population should remain invisible,” a Commission spokesperson said. “This framework ensures that persons with disabilities are counted, considered, and catered to in every policy we design.”
The ultimate goal, according to the Commission, is to foster more equitable growth, stronger social cohesion, and sustainable development across West Africa — ensuring that the most marginalised are finally placed at the heart of the regional agenda.
What's your reaction?
