By Christiana Ekpa
Leader of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere on Monday lamented the non implementation of the prohibition against persons with disability act by both government agencies and those in the private sector, even as he stressed that unless something drastic is done, the law will remain just on paper.
Ihonvbere who spoke at a public hearing by the House Committee on Disability Matters said many Nigerians, including heads of government agencies believe that the Act which was signed into law in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari said many Nigerians believe that the law was a mere joke.
He regretted that the contribution of PWDs to national development is hardly acknowledged in the country, adding that the political will and commitment to the implementation was still low, with the National Orientation agency just beginning the educate Nigerians on the existence of the law.
He said the World Health organisation reports that Nigeria accounts for about 20 million out of the total one hundred and ninety-five million (195,000,000) persons with disabilities around the world, which implies that we account for about 3.9 % of the figure.
He said “until something drastic is done, this act will just remain on paper and will not be implemented. Not even 5 percent since 2018 has been achieved in trying to implement this act.
This is not rocket science to adjust buildings to make accessibility possible, to give access to persons with disability.
“If you think that you are in Nigeria and is very strong, travel abroad and when you see the sign for space for persons with disability, go and pack there. It is somebody who see you packing there without the tag that will call the police. So, it is the political will and the commitment it get it done. Even if we have to block a few offices to do it, we should do it.
“The fact remains that unless there is action, we need to amend that law to make a fine of N10 million for corporate bodies who disobey the law and individuals N2 million and one full year in jail. Even in our public transportation, there is no consideration. What kind of people have we become.
“We must do the right and I am happy that this taking place. We are open to all ideas. This country does not take this act seriously. We all think it is a joke and something must be done about that. The contribution that persons with disability make to the growth of this country is never acknowledged”.
