Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, to establish the long-awaited FCT Commission for Persons with Disabilities. They also called for the appointment of a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on disability affairs to address challenges such as accessibility, unemployment, and discrimination.
At a press briefing in Abuja, Comrade Mike Gideon Mekumu, Zonal Leader of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), stressed the urgent need for the commission. He described it as a critical step toward inclusivity and equal opportunity. “Without this commission, PWDs continue to face barriers in accessing basic services and employment,” Mekumu stated.
The Association also appealed for policy reforms to tackle street begging by PWDs, linking the issue to neglect and lack of support. They proposed skill acquisition programs and proper rehabilitation to help PWDs live dignified lives.
Mekumu emphasized that the establishment of the FCT Commission is backed by the 2018 Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, which allows for commissions at both national and state levels. “This is not a duplication of the National Commission. The FCT needs its own Secretariat, similar to INEC’s structure,” he explained.
The group urged the FCT Minister to activate relevant sections of the Act to make the commission a reality. They also requested its official announcement on December 3, 2024, to commemorate the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
“Establishing the Secretariat will not only curb street begging but also create opportunities for education, skills development, and job placements,” Mekumu said, highlighting the untapped potential of qualified PWD professionals in fields like medicine, law, and teaching.
The Association concluded by calling for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to build a more inclusive and equitable society. “An inclusive FCT is a progressive FCT,” Mekumu stated