Reps task MDAs, others to implement 2018 PWD Act

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, on Monday, called for the implementation of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 by Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) henceforth.

Abbas gave the charge during the flag-off of the public hearing on the non-implementation of Persons With Disabilities Act by Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other public buildings organised by the House Committee on Disability Matters.

The House Speaker who was represented by Majority Leader, Hon Julius Ihonvbere cited World Health Organisation (WHO) reports which indicated that “Nigeria accounts for about 20 million out of the total 195 million persons with disabilities around the world, which implies that we account for about 3.9% of the figure.”

In the bid to ensure strict compliance with the extant legislation, the Speaker underscored the need to “amend that law to make a fine of N10 million for corporate bodies who disobey the law and individuals – N2 million and one full year in jail. Even in our public transportation, there is no consideration. What kind of people have we become?

“We must do the right and I am happy that this taking place. We are open to all ideas. This country does not take this act seriously. We all think it is a joke and something must be done about that. The contribution that persons with disability make to the growth of this country is never acknowledged.”

While noting that the PWDs population remains a major challenge to the government and people of Nigeria, he stressed the need for relevant authorities to act now in order to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.

“Section 1 (i) of the Act provides that ‘a person with disability shall not be discriminated against on the ground of his disability by any person or institution in any manner or circumstance.’

“The discrimination and stigmatisation faced by Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria has continued unabated yet the compliance level of MDAs to the ‘Disability Act’ has overtime left the challenges unattended. It is not different with the private sector.

“Whereas, Section 2 provides for the promotion of awareness regarding the: (a) rights, respect and dignity of persons with disabilities; and (b) capabilities, achievements and contributions of persons with disabilities to the society.

“All humans have one disability or the other. Even the natural process of aging precipitates all forms of disabilities. It is therefore germane that we take compliance with the law seriously.

“It is worthy of note that the PWDs are a vital part of our society, they are family members or parents who cater for their family needs, they make invaluable contributions at work place, participate in all activities that involves life. Therefore, they should not be limited in their activities and struggle to earn a living, get education and enjoy equal rights.

“Deliberate support from government and those who have the responsibility to do what is necessary is therefore needed to ensure that the capacities of the PWDs are harnessed as part of the process of sustainable development.

“We all know that the National Assembly passed the Bill on the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 and was accented to by President Muhammadu Buhari, this means that this law in already in force.

“The Acts protects the rights and welfare of Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria, as enunciated by Part V, which provides for the liberty, right to education, health and first consideration in queues, accommodation and in emergencies.

“Yet, MDAs are yet to implement the Act even at this moment that we speak. But if this is allowed to continue, it will cause severe damage to our socio-economic development and further impair our thinking as a people without understanding and the will to do the right thing,” he noted.

In his remarks, Chairman House Committee on Disability Matters, Hon Bashiru Daudu explained that the Committee was mandated to investigate the level of compliance by MDAs to the Act which was signed into law since 2018.

According to him, the flag-off of the investigation “is also intended to get input from the community of Persons With Disability (PWD) inorder to achieve the desired outcome and like the saying goes nothing for PWDs without PWDs.

“The Disability Act provides for the protection of rights and welfare of PWDs.This enquiry will critically assess thematic areas of accessibility, employment, disability inclusion in policy, plans, programme and projects of the MDAs

“Of special interest is accessibility to public buildings and the use of sign language interpreters in the media and all public communications,” he noted.

In his remarks, Executive Secretary, National Commission of Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD), Ayuba Gufwan who noted that about 35.5 million PWDs are in the country, decried the low compliance level by MDAs regarding provision of infrastructure and facilities for persons with disability.

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