The National Commission For Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has expressed it’s readiness to leverage on Nigeria Postal Service’s (NIPOST) infrastructure and network for effective distribution of disability certificates to persons with disabilities across the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.
Dr. James Lalu, the Executive Secretary of the commission said this when he paid courtesy visit to Postmaster General, Tola Odeyemi in her office in Abuja on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Dr. Lalu highlighted the challenges encountered by persons with disabilities in rural areas and various states in acquiring their disability certificates. Despite the launch of a digital registration portal, registration rates remain disproportionately low. Dr. Lalu proposed a collaborative partnership between the National Commission For Persons with Disabilities and NIPOST to facilitate the distribution of disability certificates directly to individuals’ doorsteps, ensuring wider accessibility.
Speaking further, Dr. Lalu emphasized the need to overcome mobility barriers affecting the distribution of assistive devices, particularly noting the limited reach beyond Abuja.
“I believe you will play a key role in ensuring that persons with disabilities get their certificates using the NIPOST digital platform because your office are located in all 774 LGAs and beyond.
“So partnering with institutions like this will assist us in distributing these certificates.” He said.
Lalu also used the opportunity to advocate existence of disability laws in Nigeria, adding that the enforcement of the discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Prohibition Act 2018 will commence soon.
He urged the Postmaster General to comply with the reservation of 5% employment opportunities for PWDs in his workforce and other relevant provisions as entrenched in the laws.
In response, Postmaster General Tola Odeyemi acknowledged the importance of the Commission’s initiatives and expressed willingness to integrate them into Nipost’s outreach programs. She proposed the establishment of an intra-agency committee to address employment opportunities, accessibility challenges, and other pertinent issues collaboratively.