One of the foremost Disability focused organization, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has once again commended the Federal Government for signing disability bill into an act and also putting in place a National Commission for Persons with disabillities which is a product of the act and some State governors for appointing PWDs as Special Advisers.
In a statement sent to TQM signed by Executive Director, CCD, Mr. David Anyaele, he called on the States who are yet to domesticate the Disability act to adopt it especially states like Abia, Enugu, Rivers, Imo, Oyo, Benue, Delta, Borno, Kaduna, Ogun, Bayelsa, Cross River and Edo States to hasten the process of passing laws for the protection of rights of persons with disabilities in their States.
In his message commemorating the International Day for Persons with disabillities, while commending PWDs for their resilient in the face of discrimination to excel in different endeavours in the states, which is evident in the appointments by some State governors, he expressed worries over the increasing in security situation in Nigeria as manifested recently in the killing of more than 46 farmers in Borno State is generating more persons with disabilities in the country. It is pertinent to note that beyond the casualties are those that survived with a disability.
He called on Federal government to improve security because it is the primary responsibility of any government to ensure the safety of lives and property of its citizens. As well as reducing incidence of disability in Nigeria.
“Hunger and poverty are increasing day by day in Nigeria. Poverty is a major driver of disability in the country as Nigeria is now known as nation with highest concentration of poor people in the world.” he expressed.
He expressed concern over inaccessibility of healthcare, education, and public infrastructures among PWDs which are still limited as more than 99% of public buildings in Nigeria are not accessible to citizens with disabilities.”
“Line Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) responsible for the implementation of relevant sections of the National Disability Act are not responding to the provisions of the Act. Of concern is the lack of commitment by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture that is tasked with the responsibility of promoting the rights, respect, and dignity of persons with disabilities and capabilities, achievements as well as contributions of persons with disabilities to the society.” he pointed out.
He also worried at level of Federal and States Governments commitments to access to rehabilitation and reintegration services for persons with disabilities to ensure reduction of PWDs beggars in our communities aa well as access to healthcare / medical services, inclusive education and poverty alleviation programmes and access to public infrastructures among persons with disabilities.”
You are recalled that CCD always assured their commitment towards supporting governments at all level, organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and international agencies to ensure that no one is left behind in governance and development by reason of his or her disabilities. Together we shall create a Nigeria that is free from exclusion of persons with disabilities in development.
