The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has asked states to ensure effective implementation of the provisions of the 2018 Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities, Prohibition, Act across the country.
Farouq stated this at a press conference in Abuja to commemorate the 2022 International Day of PWDs, with the theme “Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development: the Role of Innovation in Fuelling an Accessible World.”
“In committing to the realization of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, the Federal Government remains committed to doing her best to cater for the needs of all her citizens, Persons with Disabilities inclusive, for National Development; where no one is left behind. In recent years, disability issues are now placed on the front burner of national developments.
“It is pertinent to note that following Mr. President’s assent to the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, a lot has changed regarding issues of disability in the country. These have helped in no small measure in promoting the participation of Persons with Disabilities in all aspects of life and their aspiring to leadership and decision-making positions.”
The minister applauded states that have domesticated the Act, including Abia, Edo and Kano, and pledged the present administration’s resolve towards the realization of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and provision of essential needs for all her citizens, including Persons with Disabilities for national development.
“It is worthy of note equally that a lot of States have equally followed suit to domesticate the Act into laws in their various states. Recently, Abia, Edo and Kano States passed their own laws. However, a lot still needs to be done towards the effective implementation of the provisions of the Act, especially in the areas of accessibility, advocacy and sensitization, among others.
Om key achievements in relation to issues affecting persons with disabilities, she said there has been a review and formulation of policies and guidelines; as well as advocacy and sensitization to the public on the rights of PWDs.
The minister added that management of the Nigeria Farm craft Center for the Blind in Lagos, where 57 trainees graduated from in 2020/2021 Session and currently, 47 of them are about rounding-off for 2021/2022 session was part of the achievement recorded, in addition to management of the Braille Presses/Libraries Centers in each of the six geopolitical zones; and marking of international days.
Others are “Capacity building of Persons with Disabilities on income generating activities, with grants of N100,000 each; Capacity building for 48 identified Local Producers of Assistive Devices for PWDs, with a grant of N200,000 each; Training of 33 Visually impaired on activities of independent living; Skills training of 19 women and girls with disabilities and caregivers of children with disabilities on Catering/Event Management and Make-up/Cosmetology, with grants of N100,000 each as start-up.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo who was represented by Director of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Ali Grema applauded the president for signing into law the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities, Prohibition, Act in 2019, after almost 18 years of a long struggle.
According to him, the Act “provides for the full integration of Persons with Disabilities into the society and creation of National Commission for Persons with Disabilities that will be vested with the responsibilities for the education, health, social, economic and civil rights of PWDs.