Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, says the National Assembly will give priority to bills and laws concerning Persons With Disabilities (PWD) to ensure their inclusivity in the affairs of the country.
Akpabio stated this in his remark at the commemoration of the International Day for PWDs on Wednesday in Abuja.
The Senate President who was represented at the event by the Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial District, said Nations across the globe have made commendable efforts to foster an environment that embraces the diversity and inclusion of PWDs.
He explained that the Day provides an invaluable opportunity to learn from these global best practices that will contribute to a more inclusive Nigeria.
Similarly, the Chairman, Committee on Disability in the House of Representatives, Dr Bashir Dawodu, who corroborated the commitment made by Akpabio, added that the House would also look at the laws concerning disability to review them to meet the current trend, especially as it concerns women and children.
Also speaking, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu said her ministry has about 21 programmes and in each of them, 10 percent was allocated to PWDs.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary, NCPWD, Mr. James Lalu, appreciated the National Assembly for the support so far enjoyed and pleaded for more to deliver on the mandate of the commission.
Lalu also appreciated Edu, development partners, and other relevant stakeholders for their roles in the remarkable achievement the Commission has recorded so far.
The 2023 commemoration of the Day with the theme ‘Renewing Hope Together for Disability Inclusive Societies,’ was organised by the National Commission for Persons Living with Disabilities.
The program was supported by The Leprosy Mission Nigeria, Sight Savers, Plan International, UN Nigeria, Disability Right Fund, Clinton Health Access Initiative, The World Bank, Inclusive Friends, and UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.
