FCTA, Benue Mull Disability Bill As Figure Rises To 40 Million

By Ayodele Oni

Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced processes toward the domestication and implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.

This is just as it has been revealed that over 40 million Nigerians are living with disabilities.

The Executive Director of the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), Grace Jerry, who disclosed this noted that the figure is a significant demographic that demands targeted legislative and policy attention.

FCTA Secretary, of women affairs,  Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, also disclosed this at a three-day workshop on rights-based approach to disability-inclusive development, government and public policy.

The workshop was organised in collaboration with the World Bank for management staff and stakeholders across all sectors and sections of the FCT.

Benjamins-Laniyi added that the workshop was also organised to develop the needed strategy toward establishment of FCT Disability Commission to ensure full implementation of the Act.

“Let us work together to ensure that the FCT becomes a model for disability inclusion and accessibility, and that persons with disabilities are empowered to reach their full potential.

“Nothing about persons with disabilities without them. We cannot make any decision that affects them without them being present.”

The Executive Director of the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), Grace Jerry,  made her statement during a One-Day Technical Review Session on the Benue State Disability Bill, organized by IFA in collaboration with the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD) and the Benue State House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development.

Jerry emphasized the urgent need for a stand-alone Disability Bill in Benue State, similar to what is obtainable in other parts of the country.

“Persons with disabilities represent a large population — over 40 million people across Nigeria. It is therefore imperative that Benue State enacts a stand-alone Disability Bill to safeguard their rights and improve their quality of life.”