…Lawmakers make case for disability trust fund

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Beta Edu, has raised concern over what she described as the insufficient allocation of funds to the disability commission in the 2024 budget.

According to the minister, 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 stated this during a symposium to commemorate the 2023 international day of persons with disabilities, themed: renewing hope together for disability-inclusive societies, on Wednesday, in Abuja.

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

According to her, The budget or allocation to disability commission is low and it is not at acceptable. We must put our money where our mouth is. So, on behalf of 35 million Nigerians who fall within this category, we are pleading with the very dynamic of uncommon leadership we have at the National Assembly, to please improve on the budget for the commission for disabled persons in Nigeria.

She also noted that the ministry will begin shutdown of organizations that do not have facilities to aid easy movememt of PWDs.

She said: “Unlike other public places, and unlike other public buildings and even private buildings in Nigeria, they do not have facilities that will support persons with disability.

“Even the federal Secretariat and several other offices where people work. We need to lead by example. The law says so so it’s not an abeg. Nobody’s doing us a favor. The task force will soon move to ensure that every public building in Nigeria, wherever it’s found, must provide that access for persons living with disability. They do not need to stress to get to where they need to get to. It is unacceptable so we need to be very deliberate.”

On his part, the Senate president, Akpabio, represented by the Minority Whip of the Senate, Osita Ngwu, vowed that the Senate will deploy all legislative function to be of help to PWDs.

“The discrimination against persons with disability provision act of 2018 guides us on underscoring the necessity for all coordinated activities in education, social economic empowerment, and civic rights.

“Globally, the International Day for persons with disability United said United sauce in addressing the challenges faced by over 25% of global population. Here in Nigeria we are estimated 35 million individuals grapple with disability due to conflicts.

“Our commitment to raising awareness and advocacy for inclusivity becomes more crucial than ever.

“The commemoration of the International Day for persons with disability provides us with an invaluable opportunity to learn from these global best practices and contribute to a more inclusive Nigeria. In expressing our commitment the Nigerian Senate stands firmly in support of National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Our endorsement of this course is more merely symbolic.

“It is a tangible pledge to actively engage in an ongoing global dialogue on creating an inclusive society. This supports not only amplify the voices of persons with disability but also reinforce Nigeria dedication to fostering a more inclusive and equitable future.”

Also, the House committee Chairman for PWD, Bashir Daudu, said a lot will be heard about the amendment of the PWD bill in the year 2024, noting that one recognisable challenge “is that people are still not aware of it despite that it took two decades for it to be signed in 2018 and became effective in 2019.”

He said, already, the narrative has been changed with PWD recording at the rural settlements and a lot will be done in collaboration with civil society organisations

On his part, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, James David Lalu, charged major stakeholders to take issues on PWDs seriously.