FG Inaugurates Nigeria Partnership For Disability-Inclusive Development In Abuja
The Albino Foundation Public Notice
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Nigeria Partnership for Disability-Inclusive Development, (NIPDID) geared towards improving on the quality of life for Persons with Disability in Nigeria through harmonious integration of programmes and projects.
the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo in his keynote address explained that this project is in line with FG commitment to further solidify efforts and activities to enhance the lives of Persons with Disabilities, PWDs in the country.
The Minister stated that the Ministry has approved and implemented minimum of 10% affirmation and inclusion of PWDs in all programmes and projects.
the Minister states “We also request all development partners to dedicate ten per cent affirmation for PWDs in their programmes and projects in the country”.
Speaking on the inauguration the Minister said “This is indeed a very great milestone in making life better for PWDs in Nigeria, it is however discouraging that some local and international organisations providing interventions on disability-inclusive development in Nigeria do so without coordination or recognition of the role of NCPWD and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
“I want to bring to your attention that the NCPWD will continue to play roles that are vital in the coordination of all intervention including regulatory functions as it concerns disability in the country.
“In our part, we will continue to honour and respect all our commitment to international treaties and in signing the African Protocol on Disabilities before the end of this year.
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry expressed appreciation to all partners, this include the World Bank, Sightsaver, Save the children, Leprosy Mission, Commonwealth Office in the British High Commission in Nigeria.
In his speech, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Mr James David Lalu said the formation of the Nigeria Partnership for Disability-Inclusive Development is a laudable initiative.
“this project will help us reach the grassroot, PWDs in remote areas with federal government programmes”.
“On behalf of over 35.5 million Nigerians with disabilities, I want to appreciate our partners who have been in Nigeria, working for many years to support the disability community,”
“This will bring us together to work as one team to develop and implement programmes and projects. It will also provide us with a common platform to exchange ideas, plans and approaches to improve the lives of PWDs.”
In a similar vein, The Head of Governance and Stability, British High Commission, Elizabeth Drew, commended the initiative and promised British Government commitment to the program.
She highlighted various program and policies of the British High Commission in Nigeria has undertaken geared at improving the wellbeing of PWDs.
Similarly, the Country Director, World Bank, Shubham Chaudhuri states “Our mission is very simple, to help our members make progress in elimination extreme poverty and making life better for all its citizens.”
“we work to provide support well beyond financial, by helping advance core agendas that are core to the development of the country”
Part of such support, Mr. Chaudhuri emphasized this partnership project is one of such.
the Country Advocacy Coordinator of Sightsavers, Mrs Esther Bature noted that the passage of the Discrimination Against PWDs Prohibition Act and establishment of NCPWD, increased awareness of issues relating to PWDs.
