The Albino Foundation Public Notice
Leader of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, has decried the non-implementation of the prohibition against persons with disability act by both government agencies and those in the private sector, saying unless something drastic is done, the law will remain just on paper.
Ihonvbere, who spoke at a public hearing by the House Committee on Disability Matters, said many Nigerians, including heads of government agencies, believe that the Act which was signed into law in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari said many Nigerians believe that the law was a mere joke.
He regretted that the contribution of PWDs to national development is hardly acknowledged in the country, adding that the political will and commitment to the implementation was still low, with the National Orientation agency just beginning the educate Nigerians on the existence of the law.
He said the World Health organisation reports that Nigeria accounts for about 20 million out of the total one hundred and ninety-five million (195,000,000) persons with disabilities around the world, which implies that we account for about 3.9 % of the figure.
Ihonvbere said: “Until something drastic is done, this act will just remain on paper and will not be implemented. Not even 5 percent since 2018 has been achieved in trying to implement this act. This is not rocket science to adjust buildings to make accessibility possible and to give access to persons with disability.
“If you think that you are in Nigeria and is very strong, travel abroad and when you see the sign for space for persons with disability, go and pack there. It is somebody who sees you packing there without the tag that will call the police. So, it is the political will and the commitment it get it done. Even if we have to block a few offices to do it, we should do it.
“The fact remains that unless there is action, we need to amend that law to make a fine of N10 million for corporate bodies who disobey the law and individuals N2 million and one full year in jail. Even in our public transportation, there is no consideration. What kind of people have we become?
“We must do the right and I am happy that this taking place. We are open to all ideas. This country does not take this act seriously. We all think it is a joke and something must be done about that. The contribution that persons with disability make to the growth of this country is never acknowledged”.
Ihonvbere said the discrimination and stigmatisation faced by Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria has continued unabated yet the compliance level of MDAs and the private sector to the “Disability Act” has over time left the challenges unattended.
He said: “Whereas, Section 2 provides for the promotion of awareness regarding (a) rights, respect and dignity of persons with disabilities; and (b) capabilities, achievements and contributions of persons with disabilities to the society. This is hardly being done.
“Even the National Orientation Agency is only just beginning to find its feet and assure Nigerians that the thing exists. The issue of disability can happen to anybody, anytime and anywhere. Nigerians like to pretend and lie to themselves and so, anybody can be a victim.
“All humans have one disability or the other. Even the natural process of aging precipitates all forms of disabilities. It is therefore germane that we take compliance with the law seriously.
“It is worthy of note that the PWDs are a vital part of our society, they are family members or parents who cater for their family needs, they make invaluable contributions at the workplace, and participate in all activities that involve life.
“Therefore, they should not be limited in their activities and struggle to earn a living, get education, and enjoy equal rights. Deliberate support from the government and those who have the responsibility to do what is necessary is therefore needed to ensure that the capacities of the PWDs are harnessed as part of the process of sustainable development.
“We all know that the National Assembly passed the Bill on the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 and was accented to by President Muhammadu Buhari, this means that this law is already in force.
“The Acts protects the rights and welfare of Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria, as enunciated by Part V, which provides for the liberty, right to education, health and first consideration in queues, accommodation and in emergencies
“Yet, MDAs are yet to implement the Act even at this moment that we speak. But if this is allowed to continue, it will cause severe damage to our social economic development and further impair our thinking as a people without understanding and the will to do the right thing.
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“I am particularly impressed at the effort of the Chairman, House Committee on Disability Matters to invite all relevant stakeholders to engage the issues and ensure that these engagements translate into action which I believe will help make considerable and impactful progress.
“I am also encouraged by the involvement and the presence of the CSOs that have been active partners with the National Assembly even during the formative days of this Bill. I want to assure the PWD Community that the Leadership of the House of Representatives will provide the necessary support to ensure the full implementation of this law and any other assistance needed to create a more inclusive Nigeria because we are in this together.
Chairman of the Committee, Bashiru Dawodu said the public hearing was put together to gather information from the disability community, especially on the implementation of the disability act.
He said the disability act provides for the protection of the rights and welfare of PWDs. This enquiry will critically assess thematic areas of accessibility, employment, and disability inclusion in policy, plans, programmes and projects of the MDAs of special interest is Accessibility to public buildings and the use of sign language interpreters in the media and all public communications
