Abuja, Nigeria – The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters, Hon. Dr. Bashiru Dawodu (APC, Lagos), has urged the Federal Government (FG) to exempt Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) from paying taxes. He also advocated for tax reliefs for companies that employ PWDs or manufacture essential facilities for them.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by disability advocacy groups in Abuja, Hon. Dawodu highlighted the urgent need for policies that support the economic and social inclusion of over 35 million Nigerians living with disabilities.
Push for Tax Reliefs and Disability-Friendly Reforms
While expressing support for the ongoing tax reform bills, Dawodu noted that his committee is identifying loopholes and will present its position at the public hearing. He stressed that tax credits and waivers should be granted to companies producing assistive devices for PWDs.
Additionally, he proposed scholarships for teachers in special education and called for the establishment of a disability trust fund to cater to the needs of PWDs.
Challenges in Implementing the Disability Act
Hon. Dawodu lamented the poor implementation of the 2018 Disability Act, despite its five-year moratorium. He revealed that while the law mandates easy access to public buildings, transport systems, education, and healthcare, compliance has been inadequate.
He also reminded government agencies and the private sector that at least 5% of employment opportunities should be reserved for PWDs, as stipulated in the Act. However, only 22 states have domesticated the law, leaving many PWDs in other states without legal protection.
Furthermore, Dawodu criticized the N2 billion budgetary allocation to the Disability Commission, arguing that it does not reflect a genuine commitment to the welfare of PWDs.
Proposed Amendments for Stronger Legal Backing
To address these challenges, Dawodu disclosed that the House of Representatives is working on amending the Disability Act to introduce stricter penalties for non-compliance. The amendment will also provide greater protection for women and children with disabilities, who are currently underrepresented in the law.
He emphasized the need for an Electoral Act amendment to ensure PWDs have better access to voting and political participation. A constitutional amendment is also being considered to strengthen the enforcement of disability rights across the country.
Collaborations to Advance Disability Rights
Dawodu stressed the importance of collaborating with NGOs and other organizations to advance disability rights. He warned that everyone is a potential PWD, stating, “An accident or a sudden health crisis can put anyone in the disability category overnight.”
The Director of the PWD’s Potential Unhinged Project, Valentine Ugochukwu Zion, spoke on the MoU’s objectives, which include: nationwide medical access support for PWDs, particularly in underserved areas, talent discovery and development in the creative sector, a reality TV show to showcase the potential and resilience of PWDs, an inclusive musical concert promoting disability awareness.
As the push for stronger disability rights gains momentum, stakeholders are hopeful that these reforms will create a more inclusive society for PWDs in Nigeria.
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