Stakeholders from different clusters of persons with disabilities has reviewed nine different policies of National Commission for Persons With Disabilities.
In 27th and 28th July, 2022, Stakeholders converged at Akwanga, Nasarawa State to review policies arise from nine key priority areas of the strategic plan of the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities.
The formulation of policies for NCPWD is the initiative of World Bank and they are supporting all the processes leading to these documents that will enhance the effective operations of the NCPWD in different aspect of their mandate.
Declaring the workshop at the first day, the Executive Secretary, NCPWD, Mr. James David Lalu has urged the participants to carefully consider the Document clause by clause in order to have a robust working Document that will truly reflect the aspirations of the PWDs’ community.
Speaking further, he specially appreciated the World Bank for the initiative. He further reiterated the impacts of IMF interventions supporting diverse programs in the country as laudable.
Highlighting some of the Policies, Mr Lalu commended the Technical committee for developing the draft policies which the stakeholders (Organizations of Persons With Disabilities (OPDs), Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) would have the opportunity to equally represent and make tangible inputs in the formulation of the Documents.
The Document bencapsulate; guidelines for reporting, media advocacy, and public enlightenment; development partnership guidelines, and assessment tools, Gender Policy, Child protection policy, 5% employment quota, etc.
The ES further assured that the rights of children with disabilities will be fully protected.
“Our children will always be given maximum attention and support that will provide that platform for them to reach the peak of their aspirations in life”.
Speaking further, he seized the occasion to appreciate the Secretary to the government of Federation. Mr. Boss Mustapha for ensuring the compliance to the 5% employment of PWDs across all federal government offices and the States.
Following the same line of thought, the Technical Adviser and World Bank agent, Dr. Adebukola Adebayo expressed delight at the level of commitment by the committee. He re-echoed the World Bank’s interest in assisting various projects that will culminate and yield desired results in good governance and life better for persons with disabilities.
The National President of Joint National Association of Persons with disabilities (JONAPWD), ABDULLAHI ALIYU USMAN speaking on behalf of the Participants appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for signing Disability Bill into Law and establishment of National Commission for Persons with disabilities which is the reason for the gathering. He appreciated the world bank for their support and reiterate that the whole is geared towards ensuring a better living for persons with disabilities.
At end of the two days, the stakeholders successfully reviewed nine policies, they are:
1. Child Protection Policy
2. Gender Policy
3. Develop Partnership guidelines and partner assessment tools
4. Concept Note on Disability Research Centre
5. Guidelines for disability-inclusive employment and other human resource management for public and private sector employers
6. Guidelines for compliance on the 5% quota in public and private sector employment
7. Guidelines for Disability reporting and media, advocacy and public enlightenment content development8. Mechanisms/measures for ensuring compliance with the provisions.
9. Guidance on the process of seeking redress in the case of violation of disability rights.
