The Federal government have reiterated its determination in improving the lives and create access for persons with disabilities in Nigeria. The Minister, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq gave the assurance in Abuja during an event organized by Ministry for and State Directors responsible for the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Bashir Nura Alkali said that the Ministry has been very responsive to conduct assessment visit to the 36 States and FCT in collaboration with producers of assistive devices that will help alleviate the challenges of PWDs.
The Minister also outlined the various intervention programmes of the ministry in Improving the lives of PWDs, such as the Conditional Cash transfer to relieve the hardship orchestrated by the effects of COVID-19 on the community of persons with disabilities.
Sadiya Farouq advised the Directors responsible for the special needs desk not to relent on their zeal in coordinating the welfares of persons with disabilities. He said they should come up with implementable recommendations that will aid the collective mandate.
The Director Special Needs, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster management and Social Development, Mrs .Nkechi Onwukwe in her opening remark highlighted the quantum leap achieved by the Ministry for the community of persons with disabilities by giving support to the National Commission for persons with disabilities as well as monitoring the progress recorded in terms of improving the lives of PWDs.
In his response the Executive Secretary National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, Mr James David Lalu reiterated the Commission’s commitment to continue to engage with the Ministry on programmes that will uplift the lives of persons with disabilities and further appreciated the Ministry for bringing together stakeholders in the 36 States to brainstorm for possible policy review.
Lalu expressed appreciation to the states that have domesticated the the Disability Act in their governance structures.
The Commission’s helmsman further stated that the policy on Accessibility is very sensitive and goes beyond the usual ramps. He also lamented the society’s attitude at public places causing obstruction at Access points meant for PWDs.