Nigerian Lawmakers Advocate Disability Trust Fund, Urge Better Social Protections

The House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters has renewed calls for a Disability Trust Fund, emphasizing the need to support the over 35 million Nigerians with disabilities.

Speaking at the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the committee chairman, Dr. Bashiru Dawodu, lamented that the poor implementation of the Disability Act continues to sideline PWDs, limiting their contributions to the national economy.

Dr. Dawodu proposed a series of bold interventions, including: Tax exemptions for PWDs, arguing they should not be burdened with taxes, tax relief for companies employing PWDs or producing assistive technologies, scholarships for special education teachers to encourage their role in inclusive learning, tax credits and waivers for manufacturers of disability-friendly equipment.

While supporting the government’s ongoing tax reform bills, he raised concerns over existing gaps in legislation, stating that the committee will push for amendments to safeguard the rights of PWDs.

On state-level implementation, he noted that only 22 states have domesticated the Disability Act, urging the remaining states to do so without further delay. He also criticized the N2 billion budgetary allocation for the Disability Commission, stating that it reflects the government’s inadequate commitment to disability inclusion.

Beyond legislative efforts, Dr. Dawodu stressed the importance of NGO partnerships, adding that ensuring the well-being of 35 million Nigerians with disabilities is crucial to national development.

Echoing this commitment, Valentine Ugochukwu Zion, Director of the PWD’s Potential Unhinged Project, revealed that the newly signed MoU covers:

Improved medical access for PWDs, especially in underserved areas, talent development programs, aimed at discovering and nurturing PWDs in creative fields, an inclusive reality TV show showcasing the skills and resilience of PWDs, a disability-inclusive musical concert to celebrate and amplify their voices.

As conversations around constitutional reforms and disability rights gain momentum, stakeholders hope these proposals will translate into tangible policies that improve the lives of PWDs across Nigeria.

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