The Federal Government has increased the 2024 budgetary allocation for the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities by 500% compared to 2023.
The commission’s Executive Secretary, Mr. James Lalu, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja.
Lalu highlighted the progress of the disability community under President Bola Tinubu’s one-year administration, stating, “The administration of President Tinubu is truly committed to providing opportunities for People Living with Disabilities (PwDs). The commission has continued to receive all necessary support to ensure that PwDs are included.”
Since the inauguration of the Renewed Hope administration, President Tinubu has implemented initiatives to enhance governance and service quality for persons with disabilities. Lalu noted that one of Tinubu’s early actions was to sign the instrument of reactivation of the African Union Protocol on Disability, demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to improving the lives of PwDs as part of the international treaty.
Lalu also mentioned the creation of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Disability Affairs to ensure PwDs are represented in governance. Furthermore, President Tinubu recently approved the full enforcement of the Accessibility Law, a policy designed to standardize accessibility facilities for PwDs in public buildings, the built environment, and transportation.
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is currently setting up structures to fully enforce these accessibility regulations. This empowerment allows the commission to monitor compliance, seal buildings, and, when necessary, invite and sanction erring parties or organizations.
Citing an example of enforcement, Lalu mentioned a recent sanction against a KFC outlet at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for alleged discriminatory treatment against a passenger with reduced mobility.
(NAN)
