The federal government is yet to implement provisions in the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, one year after President Muhammadu Buhari assented to the bill.
It will be recalled that the National Disability Act, 2018 was signed into law on the 17th of January, 2019.
Among other provisions, the Act mandated the Federal Ministry of Information to promote awareness on the rights, respect and dignity of persons with disabilities.
During the 1st Anniversary of the passage of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, held in Abuja on Monday, the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), urged the Federal government to activate the provisions of the Act and establish the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
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Executive Director of CCD, David Anyaele, noted that media response for the implementation of the National Disability Act was very low and that due to lack of awareness, many people do not understand what the Act is all about.
According to Anyaele, many persons with disabilities do not have skill and capacity to ensure implementation of the disability Act at the Federal and State levels.
He stated that Nigeria has the highest number of persons with disabilities and that more than twenty five million persons were physically challenged in the country.
Consequently, the CCD has tasked the federal government to quickly begin public enlightenment activities and consider periodic, as well as weekly programmes to create awareness and enhance the lives of persons with disabilities.
It suggest that government should engage proactive measures such as approval of National monuments for the people living with disabilities.
“Where possible or relevant, use the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) to question government compliance, plans and budgeting as regards to implementation of the National Disability Act.
“Create a contact list of persons with disabilities and experts who can speak of disability rights issues,” Anyaele has advised.
