The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities in its drive to extend compliance as well as the enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities, 2018 (Prohibition) law to the grassroots for better impact across the 774 Local Governments in the 36 States of the federation, has recently in Abuja signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hope Inspired Foundation, a non-governmental organization with interest in the welfare of persons with disabilities.
The event was carried out in order to strengthen the tentacles of inclusion to persons with disabilities and the susceptible in the nook and crannies of the local communities in Nigeria.
Addressing the meeting, the Executive Secretary National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. James David Lalu stressed the power of interpersonal communications which often yields better and faster results to the understanding of the actors involved.
“I assure you of the greater impacts this will have on the knowledge base of different persons in the society” he informed.
Lalu further hinted that many people still claim ignorance concerning the discrimination law but, when it is taken to them, there will not be any excuse anymore.
He stated that the 5-year moratorium has elapsed in January, 2024 and this gives room for full compliance and prosecution of anyone who infringes on the law.
He also said that the penalties will be reviewed by the National Assembly in due time in order to serve as punitive measures.
The Executive Secretary equally seized the occasion to inform that all the sections of the Disability law are centrally focused on reasonable accommodations.
He explained that the provisions of Accessibility rests on the social actors from government to private bodies for the benefits of everyone in the society.
“The entire part of the law is explicit about the provisions of access to public infrastructure and buildings in the specific mode and measurements” he alluded.
According to the Executive Secretary, the elevators are expected to have braille digits and number announcement’s devices in order to guide both the Blind and the Deaf or persons with Blind-Deafness.
“The ramps are of different models for different purposes and should not be confused with another”
Additionally, the Executive Secretary reminded the meeting that leadership is not an easy ride. He, therefore, encouraged the organization to register with the Commission to have government backings that will propel it towards achieving its mandate within the shortest possible period.
In her response, the Executive Director of the Organization, Ejiro Okotie appreciated the Executive Secretary for his open- door policy which she described as a hallmark of good leadership.
She explained that the project is targeted at empowering women and youths with disabilities.
Ejiro highlighted that the communication structure has been adopted by the Eti-Osa local government area of Lagos State.
She further stated that the Foundation is taking the advocacy to Plateau, Oyo, Ogun States and FCT for full compliance.
Okotie, therefore, announced that the Technical Working Group (TWG) which will be chaired by the Executive Secretary is scheduled to have its maiden meeting on the 25th March, 2024 where there will be a clear policy direction for the drivers of the programmes.