The Centre for Infrastructural and Technological Advancement for the Blind (CITAB) has called on the National Assembly to amend the Disability Law of 2019 to ensure tough sanctions are imposed on public officers who frustrate implementation of the legislation.
This was contained in a press statement issued in Lagos today by the group and signed by its Executive Director, Jolomi Fenemigho to mark the World Disability Day.
According to group: “The lack of explicit penalties for negligent Government officials in the provisions of the Law might be seen as leaving the door slightly ajar for less-than enthusiastic implementation.
“Without clear accountability, there is a risk that the wheels of progress will turn a bit slower than desired.
Ensuring that those tasked with the duty of executing the law feel the heat of responsibility could tighten things up, making sure that the Act’s intentions are fully realized not just on paper”.
The group also urged the Federal Government to promptly enforce law known as the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2019.
Fenemigho further stated that
this long-overdue action would finally offer the relief that individuals with disabilities in Nigeria have been unjustly denied.
He recalled that December 3rd
was set aside by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992 to advance the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities globally.
Throwing more light on the purpose for fixing a day to commemorate the plight of it disabled, he stated that the decision was taken to ” raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in political, social, economic, and cultural spheres adding that the day underscores the vital importance of fostering an inclusive world where everyone, regardless of ability, enjoys equal opportunities and access.
The CITAB boss further urged the Federal Government to break the cycle of motion without movement and fully implement the Disability Law by ensuring that individuals with disabilities can truly benefit from its provisions.
According to him: “The Government’s efforts on this matter are akin to a barber’s chair-full of motion yet lacking progress. They continue to make empty promises, hold countless meetings, and establish committees to oversee the implementation of the Disability Act, only to raise false hopes and ultimately achieve nothing concrete, thereby disappointing the disabled community in Nigeria.”
Fenemigho emphasized the crucial role of the tenth Assembly in overseeing the implementation of the disability law by insisting on receiving monthly reports.
He stated that: “The Legislative committee responsible for oversight on the implementation of the Disability Act should be scrutinized by the leadership
with demands for monthly reports and follow-ups. This is the only way to track progress—assuming they genuinely care about the disabled community in Nigeria at all.”
Fenemigho reminded the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria of their pivotal role in ensuring the disability law is not just a paper tiger but a fully realized tool for change. He called on the Commission to embrace a proactive stance by ensuring that their efforts translate into tangible actions.
Said he, “The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities stands as the vigilant guardian of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2019. The commission should diligently ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are not merely whispered promises but are actively protected and promoted. By facilitating access to education, healthcare, and employment for the disabled, the Commission will pave the way for a more inclusive society.”
He called on the NCPWD to also keep a watchful eye on public infrastructure by ensuring that accessibility is more than just a lofty ideal adding that through its efforts in raising awareness and evaluating policies, the Commission should ensure that the integration of persons with disabilities into the larger society is not left to chance but a planned reality.
Fenemigho further called on
all disability groups across Nigeria to unite and use the opportunity provided by the global anniversary to mark the day adding that no single group can tackle the multifaceted challenges obstructing total inclusion of the disabled
in Nigeria.
