The National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD) has urged for a fair allocation from the N5 billion palliative recently approved by the Federal Government for states, and local government councils. The Federal Government has given the green light for the disbursement of N5 billion to these entities as part of a palliative effort.
Mr. Rilwan Mohammed, the National President of NAPWPD, emphasized in a statement released in Kaduna on Saturday that a five per cent share of the fund should be designated for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) throughout the states. This request aligns with the provisions outlined in the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Prohibition Act.
Mr. Rilwan highlighted that Section 25 of the Disability Law also specifies that during times of risk or humanitarian crises, PWDs should receive preference and protection. He expressed his disappointment with the fact that PWDs were not consulted when deciding to allocate funds to states and local government councils.
In essence, the NAPWPD is advocating for a fair and just distribution of the palliative fund, in accordance with legal guidelines, to ensure that Persons with Disabilities are appropriately considered and supported.
“The disability law provides for a sharing formula to accommodate PWDs, who are usually excluded when they are lumped with other people during allocation of relief support.
“It is to address this problem that we are asking for five per cent to be allocated to PWDs in line with the provision of the law,” he said.
The president underlined the importance of establishing a transparent framework to ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups, such as Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), in the utilization of the N5 billion palliative. He emphasized the necessity for a well-defined plan that outlines how PWDs will benefit from these funds.
He acknowledged that the association has been greatly concerned and deeply troubled by the hardships faced by its members following the fuel subsidy removal under the administration led by President Bola Tinubu.
“The impact of the removal has continued to have a debilitating impact on PWDs who are largely poor and vulnerable.
“The inability of PWDs to afford decent food, healthcare and necessities of life have been compounded and made worse with the recent situation in the country.
“Our members now find it difficult to access public transport as the transport system is largely inaccessible and unaffordable to members of the disability community,” he said.
He expressed his deep concern over the swift and widespread impact of the subsidy removal, which has led to a significant increase in the prices of goods and services. He noted that this situation is disproportionately affecting the less privileged, especially Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and making their lives exceedingly difficult.
Mohammed earnestly appealed to the federal, state, and local authorities to address the issues related to public transportation, taking into account the unique challenges faced by PWDs. He emphasized that in order to create an accessible public transport system for PWDs, buses and other modes of transportation should be equipped with adjustable ramps and handrails to facilitate the mobility of wheelchair users.
“The vehicles should also be fitted with signage and electronic display for directions with audio announcements for the benefit of the deaf and the blind.
“All these are provided for in the disability law.
“Our demands, therefore, are not based on charity requests but consistent with legal provisions,” he said.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State revealed the endorsement of the funds following the National Economic Council meeting on August 17 in Abuja. Governor Zulum clarified that this step was taken to mitigate the impacts of the petrol subsidy removal.
He further elaborated that the fund distribution would be divided into 52 per cent in grants and 48 per cent in the form of loans, with an obligation for repayment to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) within a 20-month timeframe. These measures are aimed at supporting both states and local councils during this transitional period.
