A’Ibom disability group begins registration for access to government opportunities
Persons with physical disabilities in Akwa Ibom State have commenced a statewide membership registration exercise following a directive from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD) stated that only registered and financially up-to-date members will be considered for government employment, empowerment programmes, and other intervention initiatives.
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*Members of NAPWPD
Emmanuel Esin
Persons with physical disabilities in Akwa Ibom State have commenced a statewide membership registration exercise following a directive from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD) stated that only registered and financially up-to-date members will be considered for government employment, empowerment programmes, and other intervention initiatives.
The exercise, which is being conducted across the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State, will update the association’s membership database and ensure that government opportunities intended for persons with disabilities are allocated through a transparent and verifiable process.
According to the association, the registration is in line with its constitution and the directive of the supervising ministry. Every person with a physical disability who wishes to benefit from future government programmes and interventions is expected to register through the official membership platform and pay a registration fee of ₦500.
NAPWPD explained that the exercise is designed to create an accurate record of members across the state and strengthen the association’s capacity to represent the interests of persons with disabilities before government agencies and development partners.
The association disclosed that nominations for government employment opportunities, empowerment schemes, skills acquisition programmes, grants and other intervention projects would be drawn exclusively from the official membership register.
According to the association, only members who have completed their registration and fulfilled their financial obligations would be eligible for consideration whenever such opportunities arise.
“To avoid exclusion, all members of PHAN or NAPWPD are advised to contact their Local Government Area coordinators for registration with the approved fee of ₦500 only,” the association stated.
It noted that maintaining an updated register would help eliminate disputes over nominations and ensure that beneficiaries of government interventions are genuine members of the disability community.
The association further clarified that registration should be conducted only through recognised local government area coordinators who served under the previous leadership and remain in office pending the conduct of a duly supervised election by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
“These coordinators remain the recognised representatives of the association until a proper and legitimate election is conducted and supervised by the ministry,” the statement added.
NAPWPD warned members against dealing with individuals it described as unauthorised coordinators, alleging that some persons had assumed leadership positions outside the recognised structures of the association.
The association urged members to verify the identity of coordinators before making payments or submitting registration details, stressing that only officially recognised coordinators are authorised to carry out the exercise.
It also called on members across the state to remain vigilant, claiming that some individuals and groups not affiliated with the association were allegedly discouraging persons with disabilities from participating in the registration process.
According to the association, such actions could deprive eligible members of opportunities that may arise through government programmes and partnerships aimed at improving the welfare of persons with disabilities.
NAPWPD emphasised that the registration exercise is not merely an administrative requirement but an important step towards strengthening the collective voice of persons with disabilities in Akwa Ibom State.
The association expressed optimism that the exercise would enhance accountability, improve access to opportunities and provide government agencies with reliable data for planning and implementing disability-focused policies and programmes.
It urged all eligible persons with physical disabilities in the state to take advantage of the exercise and ensure that their details are captured in the official register, noting that a comprehensive database would support advocacy efforts and promote greater inclusion in government development initiatives.
