PWDs seek special slots in National Assembly

Conference of stakeholders on disability inclusion in Nigeria (COSDIN) has asked the National Assembly to create at least six slots each for People With Disabilities (PWDs) in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Members of the group said the suggestion became necessary because of the need to amplify leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.

As part of the recommendations at a one-day stakeholders meeting of the group, supported by the Wellbeing Foundation in Abuja, the national president of the Joint National Association of People With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Aliyu Abdullahi, said that the political slots, so created, should be contested for within PWD’s communities in the six geopolitical zones of the country.

He also asked the National Assembly to make move for the idea to be domesticated across the 36 states of Nigeria.

The JONAPWD national president also said that the meeting recommended that the PWDs community should develop themselves technologically, adding that those that are well equipped should train other PWDs, while emphasizing that members should leverage on technology.

Abdullahi, who said that the meeting highlighted leadership possibilities of PWD, added that it showcased stories and example of leadership among PWD, particularly, those from under-represented group (youths and women inclusive) across various sectors, including politics, business and community activism.

He said, “The programme encouraged organizations, businesses and governments to adopt inclusive practices that will empower PWDs to participate fully in decision-making.

“It stressed collaboration among stakeholders, including PWD, organizations, policy-makers, and the private sector on increasing representation and participation of PWD, especially on economic and political empowerment.”

In his speech while declaring the conference open, the Chairman, House Committee on Disability Matters, Dr. Bashiru Daodu, represented by Hon. Architect Okunola Olarewaju, said that the House is working to ensure full compliance to the Discrimination Act 2018.

The legislator said that the House of Representatives has set up a dedicated 30-member committee on PWD issues, adding that the committee has been engaging with relevant stakeholders to create policy workable for PWD.

In terms of compliance, he said that all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) will be mandated to comply with Disabiliies Act 2018, and as well ensure compliance on its workability and set penalty for those not following it to the letter.

Meanwhile, there was an appeal to the Federal Government to ensure that persons with disabilities are among stakeholders that will attend the 2025 Global Disability Summit, themed, “Perspective of the Under-represented Groups of Persons with Disabilities”, that will take place in Berlin, Germany on April 2 and 3, 2025.

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