Advocates for the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, to take swift action in establishing the FCT Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
They also urged the appointment of a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities to address the growing challenges faced by PWDs in the territory.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Zonal Leader of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Comrade Mike Gideon Mekumu, highlighted the plight of PWDs in the FCT. “The absence of a dedicated commission has left many of our people struggling with issues like lack of accessibility, discrimination, and unemployment,” Mekumu said.
“It is time for the government to show its commitment to inclusivity and equality by creating this commission and appointing a senior special assistant to the minister.”
The advocates emphasized the urgent need for policy intervention to address street begging, which they described as a direct result of the neglect of PWDs in various states. “We call on the FCT Administration to rehabilitate and equip existing centers for skill acquisition,” Mekumu added.
“This will empower PWDs with the skills they need to live dignified lives and contribute to society.”
The group also called on the National Assembly and the President to allocate adequate funding to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. According to them, this will help reduce the influx of PWDs into Abuja in search of survival.
Referring to existing legislation, the group expressed support for enforcement of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board Act and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. However, they urged the government to ensure proper profiling, rehabilitation, and reintegration of street beggars with disabilities.
“We do not encourage street begging,” Mekumu clarified. “But for this to stop, the government must provide alternative means for PWDs to earn a living. This is why we are calling for the immediate establishment of the FCT Commission for Persons with Disabilities.”
What we are asking for is the FCT Secretariat, not a duplication of the national headquarters. Just like INEC has a national headquarters in Abuja and separate offices for the FCT, this is well within the law. The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act, 2018, makes provision for commissions at both national and state levels,” Mekumu explained.
He called on the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, to activate sections 31 to 39 of the Act to establish the FCT Commission. “This does not require domestication by the National Assembly since the FCT is governed directly by federal laws. It only requires the minister or the president to act,” he added.
Addressing concerns about street begging by PWDs, Mekumu assured that the creation of the Secretariat would help eliminate the practice through skill acquisition, education, and job placement initiatives. “A day will come when you will look for beggars on the streets and not find any. The Secretariat will ensure that our people are trained, educated, and supported with scholarships and employment opportunities,” he said.
He also noted that PWDs in the FCT face significant barriers to employment despite their qualifications. “In our community, we have doctors, lawyers, teachers, and other professionals who face discrimination in the job market. The Secretariat will activate the provision of 5% employment opportunities for PWDs as stipulated in the law,” Mekumu stated.
The advocates urged the FCT Minister to announce the creation of the Secretariat on December 3, 2024, to mark the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. “Let us celebrate this year in a grand style with a tangible achievement. Mr. Minister, Mr. President, give us this Secretariat and show that you care about inclusivity and equal opportunities,” Mekumu pleaded.
He also pointed out that some neighboring states, including Nasarawa, Plateau, and Kogi, have already established similar commissions, leaving the FCT lagging. “Abuja does not need domestication. It only needs the minister to make the pronouncement, and it will be done,” he said.
The advocates concluded with a call for unity and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the rights and welfare of PWDs are upheld. “This is not just a legal obligation but a moral one,” Mekumu stated. “An inclusive FCT is a progressive FCT.”
