The federal government has renewed its commitment to improving the welfare, rights and dignity of person with disabilities (PWDs) in 2024 through advocacy, collaboration with groups and enforcements on the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon. Dr. James Lalu gave the assurance in Abuja during a one day stakeholders meeting organized by Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI).
The meeting is part of events to commemorate the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities by VDI.
Dr. Lalu assured PWDs that from 2024, the community will see for commitment by the government in disability inclusive policies and programs, as the commission is working indefatigably to ensure more scholarship and intervention are enjoyed by PWDs.
He reiterated the commission’s readiness to collaborate with necessary stakeholders for stronger advocacy and enforcement efforts to ensure full compliance with the disability law.
The ES said “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to making life better for PWDs in Nigeria. His commitment to eradicate poverty among PWDs in Nigeria has moved him to mandate 10 % of all federal government intervention and empowerment programs to be reserved for PWDs.
“NCPWD seeks for collaboration with VDI in enforcing the provisions of this law in the various states of your operations and in FCT.
“We are using this medium to call on all states that are yet to domesticate the disability law in their sates to do so. We will continue the advocacy to such states until our goal is achieved.
“In NCPWD, we are also going to expand our commitment, empowerments and scholarship for PWDs in 2024.
On the enforcement plan to ensure the implantation of the disability law Dr. Lalu added “The 5 year transitory period granted by the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 is expected to end on the 16th of January, 2024.
“We are moving from era of advocacy and awareness creation to an era of enforcement and implementation. National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is very much ready to commence the proper enforcement of this especially in the area of accessibility for persons with disabilities”.
“VDI have grown and made much impact in the disability community. I was fully aware when it started. I was even part of the forum when this organization started. I am so elated at VDI, and I take this opportunity to congratulate the management team of this organization for nurturing this organization from the cradle to the great height it has achieved today.
Speaking on states that are yet to sign the disability law, the ES said “NCPWD has strategized to engage state governors through advocacy on the benefits and needs of domesticating the disability law in every state of the federation.
“The ruling APC as a party has a structure that accommodate PWDs from the federal to the ward levels of the party, the states then should follow suit with the party mandate. We are going to meet the National Chairman of the party who will ensure all states ruled by the APC domesticate the disability law.
“In 2024, NCPWD will commence the building of Zonal Offices in the 6 geo-political regions of the country. We will employ sign language interpreters whose services will be available to all Nigerians at all time.”
In her welcome address, Bar Catherine Edeh, The Executive Director, Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI) appreciated the turnout of federal states and the CSOs for the meeting. She solicited for more support, collaboration and funding from individuals, groups and international bodied like the Amplify Change and the Disability Rights Fund that have funded projects by VDI.
The VDI Board Chairman, Barr. (Dr.) Daniel Uwaezuoke in his keynote address explains the various documents ready for unveiling by VDI.
He said “today, being 19th December, 2023 is significant in the history of VDI as we mark four milestones in our journey so far, namely – the Launch of its 5-Year Strategic Plan (2023-2027), the Launch of the second phase of a 2-Year project on advancing sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of women and girls with disabilities being funded by AMPLIFYCHANGE, the Launch of the Maiden Edition of VDI Quarterly Newsletters and finally the Validation of Outcome of Stakeholder Engagement and experience of rights violation among women and girls with disabilities in Kwara, Ebonyi and Enugu States.”
