HOR Calls For Establishment Of Disability Trust Fund

The House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters is calling for the establishment of a Disability Trust Fund to cater to the needs of the country’s over 35m persons living with disabilities in the country.

Chairman of the Committee, Dr Bashiru Dawodu, who made the call during the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the PWDs Potential Unhinged Project, emphasized the need for social protection for persons with disabilities.

Dr Dawodu also urged states that are yet to domesticate the disability Act 2018, to do so in the interest of persons with disabilities living in their states.

He also expressed disappointment with the poor budgetary allocation to the Disability Commission, stating that the allocation of about N2 billion is insufficient and reflects the government’s lack of commitment to supporting persons with disabilities.

The committee also advocated tax exemptions for people with disabilities, arguing that they should not be required to pay taxes.

Dr. Dawodu assured that the National Assembly would address the lapses in the Disability Act through ongoing constitutional reforms and other bills.

National Coordinator of the PWDs Potential Unhinged Project,
Valentine Zion lamented the stereotype against PWDs, which weakened their active participation in national affairs despite their potential and commitment to contribute to the country’s development.

He explained that the MoU covers nationwide medical access initiatives, which is aimed at providing support to PWDs in under-served areas.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji