Stakeholders Call For Immediate Implementation Of The National Disability Act

Stakeholders have advocated for the immediate implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2019, also known as the National Disability Act.

The stakeholders who were at a two-day National Co-creations Stakeholders Convening in Abuja with a convergence of an array of stakeholders including Senior Special Assistants to Governors on Disability-related matters from different states in the Federation, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Non-government Organisations (NGOs), community representatives, implementing partners, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) hosted by the Centre for Ability Rehabilitation and Empowerment.

The stakeholders recalled that the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2019, popularly known as The National Disability Act, was passed by the National Assembly and signed into an Act by President Muhammadu Buhari after nearly 19 years of engagements with the National Assembly, adding that the Act with ten parts seeks to protect the rights and ensure adequate inclusion of persons with disabilities in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons for quick actions, while some sections require review or amendment to conform with “emerging realities.”

According to the communique, the purpose of the meeting was to discuss advancing inclusion and accessibility for those who are vulnerable and on the margins following the Disability Act moratorium. With the recently expired moratorium period of the Act, on January 24th, 2024, it is imperative to come together to discuss the domestication and implementation stages at National and State levels and strategise the next steps to ensure that the Act not only continues to protect people with disabilities while also advancing inclusion and accessibility for our society’s most vulnerable and marginalised individuals.

The gathering acted as a convergence point, bringing together a variety of stakeholders including Senior Special Assistants to Governors on Disability Related
issues from various states in the Federation, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community representatives, implementing partners, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

The stakeholders identify gaps and challenges in mainstreaming Persons with Disabilities, particularly in budget allocation, appointments, and penalty implementation modalities; and sensitise and raise awareness among duty bearers and right-holders about the National Disability Act of 2019.

Stakeholders acknowledged several challenges encountered following the passage of the Disability Act at the National, State, and Local Levels Recognising that Part 1 of the National Disability Act used the term integration and not inclusion, on the other hand, widens the gap in achieving full inclusion because integration involves bringing people together without making reasonable accommodations for their diversity, whereas inclusion does both.

They also recognise that some states have domesticated the Disability Law and established a disability commission, but implementation is still very weak, while other states have neither domesticated nor even passed or drafted a bill, disclosing that states that have domesticated and implemented the Disability Act include Anambra, Lagos
Ekiti, Rivers, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Abia, Delta. Kwara, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Edo, Adamawa, Plateau, Jigawa, and Ondo.

They stated: “While these states have domesticated the Act, the level of implementation varies. The remaining states have not domesticated the Act.

“The minimum accessibility standard/regulation has yet to become a legal document. Tokenism remains an issue hindering the full implementation of the Disability Act.
as many duty-bearers have not fully embraced the human rights approach.

“Leaders who represent disability groups in meetings do not distribute
information to other people with disabilities, which results in an information gap. Victimisation of disabled people by political appointees who are individuals with disabilities.
“Persons with Disabilities continue to face discrimination in their access to inclusive airline services and other basic services. Limited or no budget allocation for people with disabilities at all levels.”

After recognising the gaps and challenges in domestication and full
Implementation of the National Disability Act 2019 through robust discussion, participants resolved: “To advocate for the removal of the word “Integration” as enshrined in part one of the National Disability Act and instead replace with
”Inclusion” is more robust and tends to close the gap in providing a culture of diversity, equity, and a sense of belonging that is not included in the National Disability Act.
“To work together and collaborate more to ensure complete inclusion of people with disabilities at all levels. To organise Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) members and ensure that they meet with the Governor and/or Chief of Staff for Kwara State.

“To engage Commissioners in charge of disability issues. To intensify advocacy efforts regarding the establishment of Disability
The commission uses radio and other media. To replicate this event in Anambra State to investigate and evaluate the implementation of the Act in collaboration with the Anambra State Disability Commission.

“To close the communication gap between people with disabilities and
people without disabilities can use technology.

“To replicate the programme in Imo State to strengthen the capacity of
JONAPWD, executives and members in the state will increase advocacy to
ensure the passage of the disability legislation and establishment of the
Imo State has established a disability commission.

“To coordinate with relevant stakeholders (government and private sector), JONAPWD leadership, State commission for PWD, Special Advisers (SAs) to governors, etc.) to strengthen collaboration and increase advocacy for the implementation and adherence to the state disability law.

“To replicate similar programmes in other states to strengthen capacity, increase advocacy for disability groups and members across the state, ensure that the disability law is domesticated and fully implemented and to ensure the establishment of the disability commission in every state and level.”