The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities has assured of its plans to engage all ministries, especially the Federal Ministry of Transport to review various policies targeted at eliminating discrimination against Persons with Disabilities in the country.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, James Lalu, disclosed this at an interactive session organized by the Disability Right Advocacy Center (DRAC) in partnership with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) on Tuesday 25th, January 2021 in Abuja. The program was themed: “Stakeholders Meeting On Access To Transportation For Persons With Disability”.
James Lalu applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment towards realization of an inclusive Nigeria, and for his efforts of timely implementation of the various sections of the Disability Act.
He emphasized that Persons with Disabilities have the right to drive a car, as well as engage in hosting other activities, provided it is within their jurisdiction. Society however thinks otherwise.
According to Lalu, addressing these challenges from the grassroots is a combined responsibility; therefore, all hands must be on deck for realization of these goals.
Buttressing his point on society’s stereotypic views on PWDs, Lalu recounted a bitter experience with an FRSC official while driving some time ago. According to him, he was practically assaulted. However, challenges in our Airports, Seaports, and other means of transportation are our focus and the time to proffer solution is now.
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The Executive Director DRAC Dr. Irene said, the conversation is paramount, hence the rights of persons with disabilities should be safeguarded. Meanwhile, she expressed appreciation to the President for establishing the act that brings persons with Disabilities closer to achieving their goals by making public places accessible.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (HADM&SD) who was represented by Mr. Sunday Ezekiel welcomed everyone and called for fruitful deliberations and the need for advocacy in rural areas.
In his remarks, Mr Theophilus Odaudu from Disability Right Funds said: the crusade against discrimination of Persons with Disabilities in accessing transportation is long overdue, therefore issues of advocacy can never be over emphasized.
Lending his voice to the deliberations, Vice President of the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf, Haruna Tsafe, recalled the most recent discrimination against a physically disabled person traveling by air – thereby reinforcing the idea to proffer solutions to issues of such magnitude.
The Executive Director Inclusive Friends Association, Grace Jerry affirmed that discrimination isn’t a new phenomenon. She however recommended renewed committment to addressing these issues.
In attendance at the deliberations on ways forward for the Disability community were high placed officials and stakeholders from various sectors including the Ag. Director, (Enforcement/ Compliance) and Ag. Director, (Social Integration) National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.