Speaker Abbas vows more support for PLWDs

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Wednesday restated his commitment to ensuring the welfare and protection of persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) in Nigeria.

Speaker Abbas made this assurance in Abuja during an interactive session with the management of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), led by Hon. Ayuba Gutwan.

The Speaker noted that since the passage of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in 2018, there has been notable progress in the affairs of PLWDs in Nigeria.

This progress includes the establishment of the NCPWD, increased public awareness, and efforts to make essential services more accessible.

“For instance, sectors like banking are now engaging in accessibility reforms to ensure that persons with disabilities have better access to services.

“However, challenges remain, particularly regarding full implementation. Barriers such as limited public awareness, inadequate funding, and inaccessible public infrastructure still hinder the realization of the Act’s full potential,” the Speaker noted.

Speaker Abbas emphasized that the House is committed to addressing these challenges by strengthening oversight, ensuring better representation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes, and advocating for increased budgetary allocations to support accessibility initiatives.

He added that these efforts will complement ongoing legislative work, such as retrofitting facilities to meet accessibility standards.

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The Speaker stated: “Moving forward, collaboration remains essential. I encourage you to provide detailed recommendations on how legislative action and oversight can accelerate the full implementation of this Act.

“We also recognize the need for improved data collection to guide policy and enhance the effectiveness of disability-related initiatives.

“In closing, I reaffirm the House’s dedication to being a strong advocate for persons with disabilities and working with the NCPWD to overcome the obstacles to inclusion. Through our collective efforts, we can ensure progress toward a more inclusive society.”

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gutwan, commended the Speaker for his “unwavering support and commitment” toward PLWDs, especially with the appointment of a member as a Special Assistant and another as Chairman of the House Committee on PWDs.

Hon. Gutwan also praised Speaker Abbas for approving sign language interpreters in the chamber, noting that this was the first time in the history of the National Assembly, a legacy he said will be remembered.

The NCPWD helmsman also called for more inclusive policies and environmental conditions, encouraging laws that protect the interests of PLWDs, including 5 percent job slots for PLWDs in public and private institutions, among others.

He also stated that the NCPWD needs an annual budget of N60 billion to make an impact across the states.

Gutwan announced that Speaker Abbas has been adopted as the “Champion of Disability Rights in Nigeria.”