NCPWD Decries Low Budgetary Allocation

By Garry Ochigbo

Nigerians have been urged to shun every form of discrimination against persons with disabilities in the country for national development.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr Solomon Lalu, made the call in Abuja during a symposium to commemorate the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Lalu, however called for the political inclusion of persons with disabilities in line with President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

According to him, this will go a long way in giving them a sense of belonging as part of the dividends of democracy.

Earlier, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu expressed dissatisfaction with the insufficient budgetary allocation for the Disability Commission in the 2024 Appropriation bill laid before the joint session of the National Assembly.

Edu, emphasized that the current budget falls far short of what is needed to adequately address the needs and concerns of the disabled community in the country.

She however, underscored the importance of prioritizing the rights, welfare, and inclusion of disabled individuals in the society, stating that they deserve equal opportunities and access to services just like any other citizen.

On his part, the Senate president, Goodwill Akpabio, represented by the Minority Whip of the Senate, Osita Ngwu, vowed that the Senate will deploy all legislative functions to aid the living standard of Persons with disabilities.

Ngwu, added that the discrimination against persons with disability provision Act of 2018 guides them in underscoring the necessity for all coordinated activities in education, social economic empowerment, and civic rights.

He stressed that the International Day of persons with disability according to the United Nations, focuses on addressing the challenges faced by over 25% of the global population adding that in Nigeria alone 35 million individuals grapple with disability.

Also, Chairman, House Committee on Disability, Bashir Daudu, said a lot will be heard about the amendment of the PWD bill, adding that the narrative has been changed in rural communities in collaboration with civil society organisations aimed at improving their living standard.

The Theme for this year’s international Day of Persons with Disabilities is “Renewing hope together for disability inclusive societies”.

Edited By Grace Namiji