Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB) has called on federal and state legislators to enact laws that guarantee safety and independence of the visually impaired.
 
Chairman of the Executive Council of FNSB, Fusi Akinkugbe, made the call at an event in Lagos to commemorate this year’s International White Cane Safety Day (IWCD).
 
In a statement, yesterday, he canvassed enhanced accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
  
Akinkugbe underscored the importance of interacting with blind individuals respectfully and inclusively, and supporting their independence and mobility.
 
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are more than four million individuals in Nigeria living with visual impairment.
 
The staggering figure underlines the pressing need for legislation that would break down the barriers and obstacles that might impede the progress of persons with disabilities.
   
In this respect, Akinkugbe said FNSB was exploring the possibility of presenting a bill to the National Assembly.
 
He appreciated the Lagos State Government for enacting the Special Peoples Laws and the Federal Government for signing into law the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, following nine years of relentless advocacy by disability rights groups and activists.

The FNSB chief, while highlighting significant challenges faced by persons with visual impairment, particularly with regard to mobility and orientation, regretted that affected persons are unable to move unaided from one place to another, leading to a multitude of consequences such as poor quality of life, unproductiveness, dependence and a potential burden to both themselves and the society at large.