by Samuel Akekojo Usman,
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malami Muhammad Musa Bello said the 31.5 million people with disabilities is a critical mass that must receive government’s attention.
In view of that, he said the FCTA would support the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to enable it fulfil its mandate of caring for Nigerians with disabilities.
The Minister stated this when he was paid a visit by the management of the Commission led by its Executive Secretary, Mr James David Lalu, over the weekend.
The Minister also said that the FCTA will domesticate the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act and ensure the compliance of aspects of the Act concerning to the FCT.
He stressed: “The Federal Capital Territory Administration is part of the federal government. So, considering the fact that the Bill on persons with disabilities has been signed by Mr President, I assure you that the FCT Administration will follow the procedure as quickly as possible and domesticate it here in the FCT and we will see specific aspects of the Act that we need to make sure we honour and follow”.
Bello assured the visitors that Abuja will soon be a city that cares for persons with disabilities.
He said this in response to comments from Mr Lalu that many disabled residents in Abuja found unaided movement challenging especially in crossing the roads. He however commended the FCT Administration for the availability of good pedestrian walkways in the city.
Speaking earlier, Mr Lalu commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing into law the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Bill and the establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
