Mr. Sam Amadi, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission NERC, has advised the federal government to appoint competent persons to pioneer the affairs of National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
He said this at a one day stakeholder forum organised by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) in Abuja.
The Federal government had recently approved the appointment of executive members of the newly established National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
Speaking at the forum, Amadi pointed that to get it right, the initial step must be correct as the commission is the only platform where issues affecting persons living with disability can be addressed.
He emphasised that for the commission to have the right effect on the target masses, there must be transparency and justice in the appointment on key stakeholders. He also stressed the need to build a frame work in which the commission will operate.
Earlier, the Disability Focal person in the National Assembly, Mohammed Hassan said the commission must have a committee that will supervise the functions of the commission.
Hassan called for constant engagement with the disability group and the law makers for effective policy formulation that will protect the interest of persons living with disabilities.
Also speaking the Executive Director, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities CCD, David Anyaele in his remarks commended the federal government for responding to the plights of persons living with disabilities by creating the commission.
He also urged that appropriate measures be taken to ensure that there is adequate budget for the NCPWD.
The minister of humanities affairs, disaster management and social development, Sadiya Farouq which the commission is under her supervision had few weeks ago assured that the ministry will follow up to ensure a smooth takeoff of the commission for persons with disabilities.