Marrakesh Treaty: Lalu Assures On National Assembly’s Speedy Passage Of Executive Bill

The Albino Foundation Public Notice

By Mbanefo JohnMichaels I.

In a tripartite meeting of the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, National Association of the Blind (NAB), and Sight Savers, the Executive Secretary, NCPWD, Mr. James David Lalu gave the assurance that the Commission will work closely with both the Senate and the Federal House of Representatives to ensure that the Executive bill on Sight disability is passed at record time.

He made this known today, 3rd September, 2021 in his office while receiving delegations from both NAB and the Sight Savers. He therefore, seized the occasion to hint on the cordial working relationship between the Commission and the National Assembly occasioned by the humanitarian policy of the Federal government in creating NCPWD.

 In addition, the ES expressed his pleasure at the Executive members’ presentation which underscored the proviso in the proposed executive bill to translate any printed material into brail and other blind- readable format.  He said this will enhance the communication model between the blind community and the seeing public.

Lalu lauded the drive by the Sight Savers to push for the executive bill as a follow-up to the MARRAKESH treaty which was passed in 2017 by the United Nations and ratified by the Federal government of Nigeria in 2018, empowered by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to go through the National Assembly.  

Finally, the ES reassured the delegation of his undaunted commitment to work closely with the National Assembly for a smooth passage of the Bill.

In an ecstatic response, the Country Head, Sight savers, Mr. Sunday Ishaku appreciated the ES for his open door policy and the exceptional passion he has exhibited towards disability issues prior to his appointment. He said the sight disability (Executive) bill is set out to open the floodgate for the advocacy to empower blind persons to access all published materials and make them readable without being prosecuted.

The President of the National Association of the Blind (NAB), Mr. Ishaku Adamu also expressed his appreciation to the ES on behalf of the blind community for promoting inclusion among cluster group of persons with disabilities and also sought his total support to ensure the bill is sustained to achieve its purpose.

Mbanefo JohnMichaels I.

Head Media and Publicity (NCPWD)