The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has pledged to domesticate the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act and ensure the compliance of all aspects of the Act in the FCT.
The Minister made this pledge when the management of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities led by its Executive Secretary, Mr. James David Lalu paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja Nigeria’s capital.
Bello said: “The Federal Capital Territory Administration is part of the federal government. So, considering fact that the Bill on persons with disabilities has been signed by Mr. President, I assure you that the FCT Administration will follow the procedure as quickly as possible and domesticate it here in the FCT and we will see specific aspects of the Act that we need to make sure we honour and follow.”
The Minister further pledged the support of the FCT Administration to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to enable it to fulfil its mandate of caring for the 31.5 million Nigerians living with disabilities.
He, therefore, informed management of the NCPWD that efforts were being put in place to make Abuja an inclusive city that will cater for the needs of persons with physical challenges.
The Minister also congratulated Mr. Lalu for his appointment as the Executive Secretary of the Commission describing it as a square peg in a square hole.
Mr. Lalu commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing into law the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Bill and the establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
He also lauded the FCT Administration for the availability of good pedestrian walkways in the city.
Also present at the meeting were the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, the Ag Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat, Dr Kevin Ike, the Director, SDG, Ms Nancy Nathan and other senior staff of the FCTA.
PIAK
