The House of Representatives on Thursday urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation among others to create a stand-alone status for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in every programme.
The House called for the review of the National Social Register to accommodate persons with disabilities.
The House also called on the state and local governments to include persons with disabilities in every programme of the state.
The House resolution was sequel to the motion of matter of urgent public importance moved by Hon. (Dr.) Bashiru Ayinla Dawodu representing Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency 1, Lagos State.
Presenting the motion, Dawodu noted that discrimination against persons with disabilities Act 2018 was assented into law by former President Muhammed Buhari in 2019.
He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the instrument of ratification of the protocol to the African charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disability in Africa on 19th October, 2023.
According to him, the Federal Executive Council has approved the creation of a Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund of $5 billion annually.
“Disturbed that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation’s recently launched ‘Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) without set aside for Persons With Disability violated the Disability Act 2018. This program involves the transfer of N1 trillion at N25, 000 to 15 million households.
“Also disturbed that most poverty alleviation programmes lead to persistent poverty and further widening the socio-economic inequality in Nigeria,” he said.
The House presided by the Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, adopted the motion following a voice vote.