Niger Urged To Domesticate Act Protecting Persons With Disabilities

The convener of Domestication of Act to Protect Persons with Disabilities, Hajiya Fauziya Abubakar Kure, has implored the Niger State government to provide a legal framework to protect the rights of people with disabilities.

She said the steps should be taken to guide against discrimination against people living with disabilities.

Presenting a paper at a seminar held at the Women Centre, Minna, with the theme “Building an Inclusive Niger Voices, Right and Dignity for All,” Kure said the Persons With Disabilities Prohibition Act, 2018, have not been enforced at the state levels.

She said the gap leaves thousands of residents with out legal protection, adding the government should urgently domesticate the Disabilities Act 2018 to strengthen legal protection.

Kure explained that by implementing the act, it will improve access to services, promote inclusive governance and align Niger State with other climes protecting the rights of those with disabilities.

She pointed out that Niger like any other state has diversity, strength and resilience, yet true progress can only be achieved when no one is left behind.

Fauziya also noted that, Nigeria has one of the largest populations of persons with disabilities and over 25 million are estimated to have some forms of disability.

Meanwhile the convener had earlier visited the state House of Assembly for a dialogue to co- create solutions that promote equity, dignity and equal opportunity for those living with disability.

” As members of this honourable house, today’s gathering is more than just a conversation,it is a shared commitment to building a society where every voice matters, especially persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups,” she told the House.