FG reassures on implementation of Disability Act
The Federal Government has reassured on the full implementation of the Disability Act, to ensure the protection of the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.
Malam Mohammed Abba-Isa, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to President Bola Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunity, said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the commemorate the 5th Anniversary of the passage of the National Disability Act, tagged “Beyond Moratorium-Setting Agenda toward effective implementation of the National Disability Act“.
He said that the federal government was fully committed to ensure that PWDS were carried along in Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Today we transition from the moratorium and agenda setting stage of the disability act to the implementation phase.
“The agenda has been set, appointments have been made and strategies have been made to ensure that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda captures PWDs.
“I want to assure the Nigeria disability communities that we have a president that stands for PWDs and we have mapped out strategies and a presidential taskforce will be launched to ensure compliance of the law.
“This administration will not compromise on issues of PWDs, but will make sure there is full compliance to the Act and the society is all inclusive, “he said.
Abba-Isa said the President had given a mandate to report activities of donors to laise, coordinate, collaborate and partner with government Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAS) on issues relating to PWDs.
This, he said, was to ensure that policies, plans and programmes were all in-line with disability inclusive development.
He applauded the disability communities across the country for their doggedness in fighting for the establishment for the Act, advocating and creating awareness about it.
Abba-Isa, however, urged the various organisations of PWDs across disability clusters not to relent in advocating for full compliance and to remain united in purpose.
Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, congratulated the group and other disability organisations on the establishment of the Act and its transition from its moratorium stage into its implementation phase.
Abbas, represented by Mr Bashiru Dawodu, the Chairman, House Committee on Disabilities, said that the 10th House of Representatives, was leading by example in the implementation of the provisions of the Act.
“The 10th House has appointed Special Advisers on disability matters and we intend to request for a disability inclusion audit in the House.
“The disability Act, 2018 clearly shows how the National Assembly can make a difference in people’s lives.
“The National Assembly did not only pass the act but also created the committee on disability matters for the first time in the history of Nigeria to ensure that PWDs are considered in all legislative matter,” he said.
The speaker commended Tinubu for signing the instruments for the ratification of the African Disability Protocol.
He said that all disability guidelines, the disability act and the commission would guide the activities of the 10th NASS on steps to implement the law either by enforcement or amendment.
Mr David Anyaele, the Executive Director, Center for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), said that there was a need to review the level of compliance of the Act and create strategies on ways to improve it.
“The aim of this event is to take stock on the level of implementation of the National Disability Act, create opportunities for learning and sharing of experiences amongst various stakeholders.
“This is with a view to stimulate, motivate, promote, and advocate for increased support and comprehensive implementation of the Act,” he said.
Anyaele said that periodic engagement with stakeholders to ensure that the law remained relevant and was been adhered to could not be overemphasised.
“This law is not the first law in Nigeria that provides for the welfare of the vulnerable group as such the chances are high that its implementation may be less important to the government,” he said.
Anyaele reiterated the commitment of CCD to continue to provide platforms for stakeholders to convene to have conversations on the act and the level of implementation.
The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act, known as the National Disability Act was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018.
