Disabilities Community Lauds Wike’s Efforts To Implement Disability Act

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have applauded the FCT Administration led by the minister, Nyesom Wike and the World Bank for taking concrete steps toward implementing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, including the creation of a disability office.

The commendation came from the Vice Chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), FCT Chapter, Susan Kelechi Onwoma, following a three-day workshop and sensitisation program organised by the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, with support from the World Bank.

Onwoma expressed delight that the FCT, as Nigeria’s capital, is leading efforts to institutionalise the Disability Act.

“Other states are domesticating it, and it’s time that the FCT takes it up. And it is good that the Office of the Mandate Secretary is actually taking the lead in sensitizing both the leaders in the communities, as well as duty-bearers, our traditional leaders, and other critical stakeholders to ensure that this Disability Act is institutionalized and implemented in the FCT.

“For persons with disabilities who live in the FCT, it is freedom. It is access. It is saying that persons with disabilities in the FCT matter. It shows that the government here recognizes our presence, potential, contributions, and value.

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“For far too long, issues of disability have been treated as charity. But this is about institutionalizing our rights and ensuring they are implemented so that every PWD in the FCT can live a life of dignity—not just depend on handouts. This is a step in the right direction,” she said.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Social Investment, Hajia Majida Adamu, described the workshop as a critical step toward an inclusive and equitable society.

She praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to equity and inclusion, particularly for women and PWDs.

“This workshop aligns with his Renewed Hope Agenda for a more inclusive Nigeria. Special thanks go to the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat and our partners from the World Bank for their support.

“I urge all participants to translate the knowledge gained into concrete actions within their institutions. Together, we can build an FCT that reflects inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all,” she said.

The FCTA mandate secretary, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, stated that the workshop laid the groundwork for the domestication of the Disability Act in the FCT.

“We have established a framework for collective action, working through the Women Affairs Secretariat, social development services, and the disability department.

“This is a model of innovation and Renewed Hope under Minister Nyesom Wike’s leadership, in line with President Tinubu’s agenda. It is not just a slogan, it is a deliberate political will to impact all communities, including PWDs.

“What started as a disability desk has now evolved into a disability action plan, thanks to collaboration with the World Bank and stakeholders across the FCT,” she said.

The pioneer Disability Desk Officer at the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Ms. Beatrice Aaala, emphasised that disability rights are human rights, commending Benjamins-Laniyi’s advocacy.

“With this development, no PwD will be excluded from social interventions in FCT. Our inclusion in governance and decision-making is assured.

“Implementing the Act will address negative attitudes, social barriers, and discrimination hindering PwDs’ full participation,” she said.

The event brought together wives of traditional leaders, government officials, civil society organisations, and PWD representatives, signaling a strong commitment to inclusivity in Nigeria’s capital.