The House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider allotting 10% of appointive positions for the physically challenged persons in Nigeria.
This was sequel to a motion moved by Honourable Kafilat Ogbara, a Lawmaker representing Kosofe federal constituency of Lagos State.
In her lead debate, Honourable Ogbara said that the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act, 2018 was passed into law in a bid to ensure that the rights of persons with disability in Nigeria are safeguarded.
“The House further observed 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.
Consequently, the Lawmakers during the debate equally pointed out 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.
“Aware that the five years transitory period provided under Section 6 of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act, 2018 has elapsed, hence the urgent need for full implementation of the Person Prohibition Act in the country for the benefit of physically challenged community as well as the country at large”.
The House also urged the Secretary to the Government of the Federation 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% of jobs available for the physically challenged Persons in Nigeria.
Confidence Okwuchi
