The House of Representatives has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to allocate 10 percent of appointive positions for persons living with disabilities in Nigeria.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion by Kafilat Ogbara seeking to ensure that President Tinubu enforces the provision of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
The lawmaker, who expressed concern over the fate of the living with disabilities across the country, recollected that the Act was implemented into law with a view to ensure that the rights of disabled persons in Nigeria are safeguarded.
“The House also notes that Section 6 of the Act provides that from the commencement of the Act, there shall be a transitory period of five years within which all public buildings and structures, whether immovable, movable or automobile, which were inaccessible to persons with disabilities shall be modified to be accessible and usable by persons with disabilities including those on wheelchairs,” she said.
“The House further notes that Section 29 of the Act provides that all employers of labour in public organisations shall, as much as possible, have persons with disabilities constituting at least 5% of their employment.
“The House is aware that the five years transitory period provided under Section 6 of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 has lapsed, hence the need for full implementation of the Act.
“The House is concerned that like every human being, people with disabilities have fundamental human rights and it is the duty of the government to ensure that these rights are respected, protected and fulfilled,” she noted.
The House also tasked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to direct the Head of Service of the Federation and Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Governments to adhere strictly to the provisions of Section 29 of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, by providing 10 percent of jobs available for the physically challenged persons in Nigeria;
The House further urged all relevant security agencies to commence full enforcement of the provisions of the Act.
