Reps’ Speaker Assures PWD Of Full Implementation of National Disability Act.
Nigerian House of Representatives has assured the People With Disabilities ( PWD) that it will collaborate and employ all legislative means to ensure compliance and full implementation of the National Disability Act passed in 2018.
The Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abass who was represented by Chairman House Committee on Disability Matters, Hon. Bashiru Dawodu Ayinla stated this on Tuesday while speaking in Abuja at event to commemorate the 5th Anniversary of The National Disability Law.
The speaker said apart from the Act that established the National Commission for PWD as an instrument of enforcement, the House now has standing Committee on Disability Matters which will guide the House on the next steps vis a vis motions ot Bills as per enforcement or amendment to the National Disability Law.
Speaker said “We also intend to live by example. This is why I appointed Special Adviser and Senior Legislative Aide on Disability Matters”.
“I intend to request for a Disability Inclusion Audit of the House. Of note I approved the presence of sign Language Interpreters in the House of Representatives for the first time in the history of the National Assembly”.
He commended the organiser of the event for bringing to the forefront the very important issue.
“One of the cardinal constitutional duties of the National Assembly is to make laws. The Disability Act 2018 clearly shows how the National Assembly can make a difference in people’s lives”.
“We did not only pass the bill but also created the committee on Disability Matters to ensure that PWD’s are considered in all our legislative matters” Speaker added.
According to WHO, 15% of Nigerians are PWDs . Many faces human rights abused like stigmatization, Discrimination, Violence, Lack of physical Access to Healthcare Housing and Education.
The 5th Anniversary Of The National Disability Act Event with the theme: “Beyond Moratorium: Setting Agenda Towards Effective Implementation of the National Disability Law” was put together by The Centre For Citizens With Disabilities (CDD). #
