Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas, has condemned the exclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from Nigeria’s governance and decision-making processes, calling for immediate action to address systemic barriers.
Speaking at the International Day for Persons with Disabilities 2024 at the National Assembly in Abuja, Abbas, represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, highlighted that the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act of 2018 remains under-implemented, with only 19 states domesticating the legislation. He pledged the 10th House’s commitment to enforcing its provisions, addressing healthcare, education, employment, and public accessibility.
Abbas lauded President Tinubu’s Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS) as a step toward inclusivity and urged stakeholders to expedite fund distribution to PWDs.
He also called for increased representation of PWDs in decision-making roles, stressing their significant potential for national development.
“Disabilities are not barriers to success,” Abbas stated, celebrating the contributions of PWDs in his own team and urging collective efforts for an inclusive Nigeria.
Separately, lawmaker Bamidele Salam emphasized dismantling barriers and promoting equal opportunities for PWDs, aligning with the global observance of World Disability Day on December 3.
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