The European Union (EU) said the Federal, State and Local government Council must commit to fully implementing the provisions of the National Disability Act.
The EU said implementing the Act, which outlines comprehensive policies and practices to accommodate and empower persons with disabilities, will foster an inclusive environment that values diversity and promotes social equity.
EU Ambassador-designate to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, who stated this during a national dialogue held in Abuja to mark this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities said the impact of the Act remains null without effective implementation.
The event, themed “Transformative Solutions to Disability-Inclusive Development in Nigeria,” was organised by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, with EU support through the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
Represented by Head of the Governance, Security, and Migration Section at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ruben Alba Aguilera, Mignot expressed concern over the exclusion of persons with disabilities in development planning.
“People with disabilities are being left behind in development. Although inclusion is affirmed in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, many interventions still fail to include people with disabilities. Societal barriers continue to place them at increased risk of violence, poverty, poorer health outcomes, and limited access to education and employment opportunities. This is not inevitable, and we must be deliberate about ensuring disability inclusion.”
He said over 35 million Nigerians live with disabilities, with 9 out of 10 living below the poverty line. “These individuals face daily struggles, and it is our collective responsibility to address their challenges,” he said.
While commending the government for passing the Disability Rights Law and establishing the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), he stressed the need for swift implementation.
“A law is only as effective as its implementation. We cannot rest on our laurels; it is time to act and dedicate sufficient resources to make this law effective,” he stated.
Speaking, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who was represented by Sunday Hezekiah, Director of the Special Needs Department, said there is need for an inclusive society and highlighted funding challenges for disability-related projects.
“While the Act mandates education, welfare, and other provisions for persons with disabilities, resources allocated by the National Assembly remain grossly inadequate,” he noted.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
