PWDs: FG to provide N200,000 grant each to producers of assistive technologies

Federal Government has commenced the empowerment of identified local producers of assistive technologies in 36 states of the federation and the federal capital territory (FCT).

Under the arrangement, each beneficiary is to receive a grant of N200,000.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq disclosed this in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The Minister who was represented by the Director Special Needs, Mrs. Nkechi Onwukwe, said: “the workshop was put together with the aim of ensuring that millions of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) enjoy the right to independent living, inclusion and participation through local production of quality and affordable assistive devices.”

According to her, “The Department of Special Needs is working in collaboration with Partners to nurture and harness the potentials of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) as well as promoting activities that enhance their interaction, mainstreaming and empowerment for a more sustainable economic, social and political growth of the nation.”

She disclosed that the Ministry after the training will give a grant of N200,000 to local producers to expand and improve on the production of wheelchairs, prosthesis, crutches and other devices.

She explained that the cost of importing the devices was one of the reasons for encouraging local producers and quest of addressing inclusiveness among (PWDs) especially regarding provision of quality assistive devices and the development of entrepreneurial competencies to favourably compete in the business environment.

The Minister also disclosed that the “Ministry in collaboration with Partners has developed and finalized the National Roadmap on local Production of Assistive Technologies and is due for public presentation in due course.

“The Roadmap is aimed at, enhancing the availability of segregated data on Assistive Technologies to inform country needs, improving current strategy for increase financial resources mobilisation for Assistive Devices and increasing the quality of locally produced devices in Nigeria.”

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Fatima Kabir Buba, represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Aleni Emmanuel expressed optimism that the programme will enhance the performance of stakeholders on how to move local producers to become major producers.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Bashir Nura Alkali, represented by Mr Uchenna Onah, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to continue to support local producers at every stage of the journey towards becoming self-reliant in assistive devices production in Nigeria.