Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D (3rd right); Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu (2nd right); Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan (3rd left), and other members of the commission’s management team during a courtesy visit on the Speaker on Wednesday. Photo: Speaker’s Office
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the welfare and rights of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria. This pledge came during a courtesy visit by the management team of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to his office on Wednesday.
Accompanied by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and other members of the House, Speaker Abbas warmly welcomed the NCPWD delegation, promising to use legislative powers to create a more inclusive society for individuals with disabilities. As a mark of appreciation for his unwavering support, the NCPWD officially adopted him as the ‘Champion of Disability Rights in Nigeria.’
Progress Made Since the 2018 Disability Act
During the meeting, Speaker Abbas reflected on the progress made since the passage of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. He highlighted several milestones achieved in disability advocacy, including the establishment of the NCPWD, increased public awareness, and the growing accessibility of essential services across various sectors.
“The banking sector, for example, has made significant strides by introducing accessibility reforms, ensuring that persons with disabilities can access services without barriers,” Abbas said.
However, the Speaker acknowledged that challenges persist. He noted that despite legislative advancements, the full implementation of the Disability Act remains hampered by inadequate public awareness, limited funding, and the lack of accessible infrastructure.
“These barriers continue to restrict the full realization of the law’s potential,” he stated.
Commitment to Overcoming Implementation Challenges
Speaker Abbas assured the NCPWD that the House of Representatives is committed to tackling these issues through robust oversight, enhanced representation of PWDs in governance, and advocating for increased budgetary allocations for accessibility projects. He underscored the need to retrofit public facilities to meet accessibility standards, signaling the House’s determination to lead by example.
“We are not only focused on making laws; we are equally determined to ensure these laws are implemented effectively,” Abbas emphasized.
In addition, he urged the NCPWD to submit detailed recommendations on how legislative actions and government oversight can fast-track the full implementation of the Disability Act. He also highlighted the importance of data collection to inform policies and improve the impact of disability-related initiatives.
“Collaboration is essential going forward,” the Speaker remarked. “With improved data and clear recommendations, we can fine-tune our policies and make more informed decisions for the benefit of PWDs.”
NCPWD Commends Speaker Abbas’s Legacy of Inclusion
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba B. Gutwan, praised Speaker Abbas for his unparalleled commitment to advancing disability rights. Gutwan particularly applauded the Speaker for appointing a person with a disability as a Special Assistant and naming another as Chairman of the House Committee on PWDs.
In a historic move, Speaker Abbas also authorized the deployment of sign language interpreters in the National Assembly chambers, marking the first time such a measure has been implemented in the Assembly’s history.
“This is a legacy that will be remembered for generations,” Gutwan declared, commending the Speaker for setting a precedent in inclusive governance.
Calls for Expanded Budget and Disability-Friendly Policies
During the meeting, the NCPWD Executive Secretary called for more disability-friendly policies and environmental conditions to support PWDs. He also advocated for a 5% employment quota for PWDs in both public and private institutions, stressing the importance of economic inclusion.
Gutwan revealed that the NCPWD would need an annual budget of N60 billion to effectively implement its initiatives across all 36 states. He urged the House of Representatives to support the commission in achieving this goal, ensuring that meaningful progress reaches even the most underserved communities.
A Shared Vision for an Inclusive Society
In response, Speaker Abbas reaffirmed the House’s commitment to driving disability inclusion through legislation, oversight, and advocacy. He assured the NCPWD team that the House would continue working closely with the commission to address gaps in the system.
“The House will remain a strong ally in your efforts to overcome obstacles to inclusion,” Abbas said. “Through our collective efforts, we will build a society where no one is left behind.”
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both the Speaker and the NCPWD agreeing that collaboration between the government, civil society, and private institutions is essential for achieving a truly inclusive society.
With Speaker Abbas now officially recognized as the ‘Champion of Disability Rights in Nigeria,’ the House of Representatives is expected to intensify its efforts toward creating a more accessible and inclusive environment for all Nigerians, regardless of physical ability.
