The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in collaboration with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), has launched the National Framework on Disability Inclusion in local governments in Nigeria.
NCPWD noted that this transformative initiative, supported by the Hope Inspire Foundation and the Disability Rights Fund, aims to ensure that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into local governments’ operations, policies, programmes, and services nationwide.
During the unveiling, the technical assistant at NCPWD, Dr Adebukola Adebayo, emphasised the critical role of this framework.
He stated that, anchored on the provisions of Schedule Four of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, the framework provides clear guidelines for local governments to bridge gaps in disability inclusion and promote inclusive governance at the grassroots level.
“Many local governments are lagging in ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in their services. This framework serves as a guide to help them improve and strengthen inclusivity in areas such as education, healthcare, and social services,” he said.
Adebayo also called for the establishment of a comprehensive National Disability Database to enhance service delivery.
“If you don’t know the number of people with disabilities, you cannot provide for them,” he remarked. “We need to work with local and state governments to create a database where individuals can register and be documented.
This will ensure that support services and assistive aids reach the intended beneficiaries equitably.”
In his remarks, the ALGON National President, Bello Lawal, represented by Hon. Willie Okolieogwo, reiterated ALGON’s dedication to promoting inclusivity and addressing the needs of persons with disabilities.
“I took it as a responsibility during my tenure as a local government chairman to maintain a cordial relationship with persons with disabilities. They were fully included in recruitment and service delivery because they are part of us and should never be left out,” he stated.
He commended efforts like Senator Osi Times’ Abandon Foundation, which provides support to persons with disabilities, and urged other leaders to adopt similar initiatives.
Okolieogwo added that the framework, endorsed by ALGON’s leadership and authenticated by the signature of its immediate past president, will be distributed to all 36 state chapters and the Federal Capital Territory.
He assured stakeholders that ALGON’s National Executive Council would ensure its adoption, fostering inclusive governance practices nationwide.
