President Muhammadu Buhari appointed a Chairman, Council members and an Executive Secretary for the National Commission of Persons with Disabilities on Monday, August 24. The Governing Council is comprised of a part-time Chairman and six members representing Nigeria’s geo-political zones. James Lalu was appointed as Executive Secretary for the Commission. The appointments are in line with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2019, which was signed into law in January 2019. The legislation is aimed at improving the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWD) in the society. It also provides for a 5-year transitory period from its enactment to enable the modification of public structures and services to meet the needs of PWDs. In addition, the Act is aimed at prohibiting discrimination against PWDs and creating awareness of the rights and dignity of PWDs through the Federal Ministry of Information.
Persons with disabilities have been marginalised and underrepresented in many facets of societal engagements. Therefore, the establishment of a body to cater for their affairs is a step in the right direction and a welcome development.