In order to give a universal acceptability to the recent draft on disability related issues in Nigeria, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities in partnership with World Bank organized a Three- day retreat for the Commission’s Governing Council, private sector, disability- oriented organizations and other stakeholders.
The event which commenced today, 3rd April 2023 is expected to provide the platform for critical inputs from participants in accordance with the United Nations’ Conventions on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities as well as the 2018 Disability law prohibiting the discrimination of Persons With Disabilities.
Speaking at the occasion, the Executive Secretary National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, Mr. James David Lalu in his keynote address, thanked the participants for the enormous mental exercise that has gone into the production of the draft policy.
He further seized the platform to urge them to give a holistic treatment to the Document so as to make it worthwhile.
“You are all aware that an Institution like this is still nascent and will require a properly guided Policy Document for its survival” he stated.
He equally informed that the resolution of the Policy Document must not be in conflict with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
However, the World bank representative, Dr. Adebukola Adebayo in his remarks revealed that the Documents were co-created with external experts and the Management Staff of the Commission who galvanized the 9 major Drafts of the policy Documents.
According to him, the World Disability Global Adviser also made a review where inputs from extant laws were introduced to make the Documents a robust one.
The Head, Development, Partnership and Program Unit, Mrs. Adenike Akinbola highlighted the objectives of the 11 operational guidelines and policies to include the following: Secure the endorsement by the NCPWD, Support and Strengthen the capacity of NCPWD with a right- based approach for seamless implementation.
Mbanefo JohnMichaels I
Head Press and Public Relations Unit, NCPWD
3rd April, 2023
