ActionAid Nigeria Charges Government On Enforcement Of Disability Act »

Following the recent appointment of executive members of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) by President Muhammadu Buhari, the ActionAid Nigeria has charged Government at all levels to commence immediate domestication and enforcement of the Act.

The Country Director of Action Aid , Ene Obi gave the charge in media statement signed by Nihinlola Ayanda Communication Coordinator and made available to Journalists.

The Country Director disclosed that Nigeria With an estimated population of 25 million people with disability (Human Rights Watch 2019), stressed that the establishment of the commission has come at a right time.

While praising Federal Government for the establishment of the Commission, advised for inclusion and welfare of persons with disabilities as enshrined in the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities Law in Nigeria.

”We earnestly hope that the Commission through its mandate will ensure that the education, healthcare and other social and economic rights of these class of persons will be protected as encapsulated in the 1999 Constitution .

“At least five per cent of all public appointments should go to people with disabilities as backed up by the law supporting the establishment of the commission, as only PWDs can proffer issues that concern them.” She said.

She however call governments at all level to honor this provision of the law that quarrantee rights of Persons with disabilities, the freedom to move safely around urban and rural areas in
Nigeria while ensuring that all barriers to their free movement is removed.

According to her , their neglect by the society often expose them to violence whilst on the streets, especially women with disabilities facing multiple burden as they are exposed to the threat of gender-based Violence while they go about their daily life.

She however identified key areas that requires immediate attention to include transformation of transport system to ensure adequate buses and stops, street lighting, recruitment of female transport staff, disability friendly public toilets and infrastructure that caters to their mobility and protection.

While welcoming the federal government’s commitment to creating a PWD friendly society, The Action Aid urged for a concrete translation of the every letter in the Commission into investment in infrastructure and public services that account for the needs of this teeming population that needs our daily attention.