The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, CCD has called for improved security of lives and property towards reducing the incidence of disability in Nigeria.
CCD in a press statement issued in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities stressed that the incessant security crisis in the North could increase the population of PWDs in the country.
The statement signed by David Anyaele, Executive Director, CCD butressed that the “primary responsibility of any government is to ensure the safety of lives and property of its citizens and it would go a long way towards reducing incidence of disability in Nigeria.”
Anyaele raised concerns that, “the increasing insecurity in Nigeria as manifested recently in the killing of more than 46 farmers in Borno State is generating more persons with disabilities in the country.
“It is pertinent to note that beyond the casualties are those that survived with a disability.”
The CCD Executive Director also identified that, “access to healthcare, education, and public infrastructures among PWDs are still limited as more than 99% of public buildings in Nigeria are not accessible to citizens with disabilities.
“Line Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) responsible for the implementation of relevant sections of the National Disability Act are not responding to the provisions of the Act.
“Of concern is the lack of commitment by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture that is tasked with the responsibility of promoting the rights, respect, and dignity of persons with disabilities and capabilities, achievements as well as contributions of persons with disabilities to the society.”
He thereafter called on the Federal and States Governments to commit to improve “rehabilitation and reintegration services for persons with disabilities to ensure reduction of PWDs beggars in our communities.”
CCD also called for “Federal and States Governments commitments to access to healthcare / medical services, inclusive education and poverty alleviation programmes and access to public infrastructures among persons with disabilities.
“State governments yet to adopt the National Disability Act like Abia, Enugu, Rivers, Imo, Oyo, Benue, Delta, Borno, Kaduna, Ogun, Bayelsa, Cross River and Edo States to take speedy measures to pass laws for the protection of rights of persons with disabilities in their States.”
CCD reinstated its commitment “to supporting governments at all level, organisations of persons with disabilities and international agencies to ensure that no one is left behind in governance and development by reason of his or her disabilities.”