The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has restated his commitment to ensuring the welfare and protection of the Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) in Nigeria.
Speaker Abbas gave the assurance when the management of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) visited his office on Wednesday.
The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, and several members of the House joined Speaker Abbas to receive the NCPWD delegation.
The Speaker noted that since the passage of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in 2018, there has been notable progress in the affairs of Persons Living With Disabilities in Nigeria.
The progress, he noted, included the establishment of the NCPWD, increased public awareness, and efforts to make essential services more accessible.
“For instance, sectors like banking are now engaging in accessibility reforms to ensure persons with disabilities have better access to services.
“However, challenges remain, particularly around full implementation. Barriers such as limited public awareness, inadequate funding, and inaccessible public infrastructure still hinder the realisation of the Act’s full potential,” the Speaker noted.
Speaker Abbas said the House is committed to addressing these challenges by strengthening oversight, ensuring better representation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes, and advocating for increased budgetary allocations to support accessibility initiatives.
He added that these efforts will complement ongoing legislative work, such as retrofitting our facilities to meet accessibility standards.
The Speaker said: “Moving forward, collaboration remains essential. I encourage you to provide detailed recommendations on how legislative action and oversight can accelerate the full implementation of this Act.
“We also recognise the need for improved data collection to guide policy and improve the effectiveness of disability-related initiatives.
“In closing, I reaffirm the House’s dedication to being a strong advocate for persons with disabilities and working with the NCPWD to overcome the obstacles to inclusion. Through our collective efforts, we can ensure progress towards a more inclusive society.”
Earlier, Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba B. Gutwan, commended the Speaker for his “unwavering support and commitment” towards PWDs, specially with the appointment of a member as a Special Assistant and another as Chairman of the House Committee on PWDs.
Gutwan also commended Speaker Abbas for approving sign language interpreters in the chamber, noting that it was the first time in the history of the National Assembly, a legacy he said will be remembered.
The NCPWD boss called for more friendly policies and environmental conditions, encouraging laws protecting the interests of PWDs, 5 percent job slots for PWDs in public and private institutions, among others.
He also said the NCPWD needs an annual budget of N60bn for it to make impact across the states.
Gutwan announced that Speaker Abbas has been adopted as ‘Champion of Disability Rights in Nigeria’.
