House Calls For Special Fund For Persons With Disabilities In Nigeria

The House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters has called for a Disability Trust Fund to cater for the plights of the over 35 million people with disabilities in Nigeria.

The Chairman House Committee on Disability Matters, Dr. Bashiru Dawodu made the call at the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

He explained that the lack of compliance to the disability act hinders the contribution of people with disabilities to the national economy.

He called for the need to guarantee social protection for PWDs.

Dr. Dawodu also called for tax exemption for Persons With Disabilities, saying such class of Nigerians should not be allowed to pay tax.

Dr Dawodu also called for tax relief for companies employing persons with disabilities or manufacturing facilities used by them.

He said that even though the committee on disability was in full support of the tax reform bills, it is conscious of the loop holes in the bills and will be presenting their position at the public hearing.

He also disclosed that the committee will be moving for tax credit and waivers for companies manufacturing equipment used by PWDs.

He also said that teachers involved in special education should be encouraged through scholarship, while a disability trust fund be put in place to take care of the interest of PWDs.

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The lawmaker said even after the creation of the Disability Commission, the Disability Act was yet to be domesticated in several states across the country with only 22 states so far domesticating the Act.

He pointed out that states who are yet to domesticate the law should do so in the interest of persons with disabilities living in those states, while also lamenting the poor budgetary allocation to the Disability Commission.

He argued that the allocation of about N2 billion to the Disability Commission is suggestive of how the government wants to threat persons with disabilities, saying the nation has fallen short of expectations.

Dr. Dawodu emphasised the need for collaboration with NGOs and other organisations in advancing the course of PWDs, saying with over 35 million Nigerians living with disability, Nigeria will work better if the National Assembly works.

The Chairman emphasised that the National Assembly would ensure that lapses in the Disability Act are addressed in the ongoing Constitutional reform and other bills before the National Assembly.

The Director of the PWD’s Potential Unhinged Project, Valentine Ugochukwu Zion said the MoU covers nationwide medical access and supports initiative for persons with disabilities which aim to provide support to PWDs in underserved areas.

The MoU he said also covers talent discovery and development for PWDs within the areas of creativity, a reality TV show to showcase their potentials and resilience and an inclusive musical concert.

Emmanuel Ukoh