From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called on the Nigerian government to significantly increase budget allocations for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the 2024 supplementary budget and the 2025 budget. This, they argue, is crucial to promoting inclusivity in Nigeria’s governance processes.
In a statement, CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, emphasised that this step is necessary to address the socio-economic challenges faced by PWDs and ensure their full participation in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political landscape, given the current limited funding.
Rafsanjani stated that democracy requires equitable treatment and prioritises the needs of every member of society. He highlighted that the socio-economic and political inclusion of PWDs is paramount for good governance in Nigeria, as it ensures active participation and contribution towards societal development.
While commending the efforts of the federal government and National Assembly in addressing challenges faced by PWDs, CISLAC stated that more needs to be done to adequately cater to their daily needs. They urged the government to prioritise increasing budgetary allocations for PWDs, especially in light of current economic realities.
Despite the passage of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in 2018 and the 2024 appropriation bill, CISLAC noted that implementation has been hampered by inadequate funding.
They added that the current budget allocations are grossly insufficient to meet the needs of over 30 million Nigerians living with disabilities, leaving many without access to essential services.
Rafsanjani noted that PWDs in Nigeria continue to face significant barriers that hinder their full participation in society, including limited access to education, employment, and inaccessible healthcare services.
This, he stated, contributes to the growing sentiment and bias of social exclusion and discrimination, as PWDs frequently face stigmatisation in public spaces, workplaces, and within their communities. This marginalisation impedes their ability to participate fully in civic activities and contribute to national development.
CISLAC urged the government to increase budget allocations for disability-inclusive programmes, such as special education, vocational training, accessible healthcare, and infrastructure development. The organisation also called on the government to enforce the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 to ensure that PWDs are not discriminated against.
Specifically, CISLAC recommends:
- Increased budgetary allocation for the education of persons with disabilities**: This includes vocational training, inclusive schools, and skills acquisition programmes.
- Increased budget allocation for accessible healthcare facilities and services for PWDs**: This includes rehabilitation centres, assistive devices, and specialised medical care.
- Increased budgetary allocation for building accessible public infrastructure**: This includes government buildings, transportation, and information and communication technologies.
CISLAC reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights of PWDs and called on all stakeholders to join in promoting an inclusive society where every Nigerian, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and contribute to national development.