FCTA, World Bank Move To Establish Disability Commission, Policy

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), with support from the World Bank, has commenced moves to establish a Disability Commission and develop a disability policy for the administration.

The FCTA mandate secretary, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, disclosed this yesterday at a 3-day workshop and sensitisation programme on the domestication and implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act, 2018. The event was organised by the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat in collaboration with the World Bank.

Benjamins-Laniyi stated that as the mandate secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, she has always been passionate about promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.

“Under my office, we have established a Disability Desk, which serves as a testament to our commitment to disability inclusion and support. This desk is dedicated to ensuring that the needs of women and children with disabilities are addressed and that they have equal access to opportunities and services.

“The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, is a landmark legislation that aims to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and promote their inclusion in all aspects of society.

“The domestication and implementation of this Act within the FCT are crucial steps toward creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for persons with disabilities,” she said.

She further noted that prioritising the management of persons with disabilities as a vulnerable demographic has become a key focus of the Renewed Hope administration.

“Persons with disabilities became a reference point in the Renewed Hope agenda of the APC when it began at its initial stage. That initiative of political engagement has now evolved into what we have as the Disability Act Commission in Nigeria.

“The legal framework also established it as a political vehicle and mechanism. But now, within the FCT, we are implementing the National Disability Act of 2018 as a capital project.

“For us, it also prioritises rescaling economic empowerment by giving persons with disabilities proper priority in economic interventions and sustainable support packages,” she added.

The mandate secretary also emphasised that the Renewed Hope advocacy of the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, deliberately focuses on integrating persons with disabilities into health, agriculture, digital literacy, and women and youth programmes across Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the World Bank’s Disability Inclusion Consultant, Dr. Adebukola Adebayo, stated that the workshop is part of technical assistance to the FCTA, particularly the Women Affairs Secretariat, which houses the Disability Desk.