A committee consisting of five members has been tasked with creating a framework for working with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to raise awareness of the rights and privileges of individuals with disabilities. The committee was instructed to do this by Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation.

Idris announced the order in a statement to reporters yesterday in Abuja during a courtesy visit to his office with Dr. James Lalu, the executive secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.

“From today, we will set up a committee that is going to work closely with you to look at your specific needs so that we can help to ensure that your aims and objectives are achieved,” he said.

In order to defend the rights and dignity of people with disabilities and shield them from prejudice, he further stated that he would be making the commission’s public communication channels and ministry apparatus available.

According to the minister, President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to providing people with disabilities with visibility, recognition, and responsibilities within his government stems from his belief in social inclusion.

“No segment of the Nigerian population will be left behind under the Tinubu administration,” Idris assured while promising to lead advocacy to state governors on the domestication of the Disability Law in their respective states.

According to him, the 35 million individuals who live with disabilities provide a critical mass whose distinct viewpoints, skills, and life experiences can enhance the upcoming National Values Charter implementation, which aims to instill morals and values in Nigerians.

Speaking at the ministry, Dr. Lalu, the executive secretary of the national commission for people with disabilities, stated that his goal was to find ways to work together to raise awareness of the rights of people with disabilities.

According to him, there are provisions in the Disability Law that require service providers to grant those with disabilities preferential access to public buildings, transportation, and healthcare facilities, among other facilities, without any kind of discrimination.

According to Lalu, people with disabilities have a plethora of unrealized potential that includes a wide range of abilities, credentials, and knowledge necessary for the nation’s economic progress.