Date: 15th October, 2024
The Nigeria National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) Leadership, ably represented at the event by the NNAD National Youth Leader, Ashiru Abubakar Nagoma, was among the high-profile disability-led organizations that witnessed and participated in the public hearing on the Flag-Off of the Investigative Hearing on Compliance of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
The hearing took place at the National Assembly’s Conference Hall 231, which was anchored by the Members of the Federal House of Representatives, National Assembly, Abuja.
The session commenced at 10:30 am. Nigerian time, chaired by Hon. Bashiru Dawodu, the Chairman of the Committee on Persons with Disabilities, Federal House of Representatives, and included other notable members of the committee. Also in attendance were Hon. Aliyu Bappah Misau, a member of the House of Representatives representing Misau Federal constituency from Bauchi State, and the Majority Leader, Hon. Ihonvbare of the House of Representatives, alongside key stakeholders and disability rights advocates such as the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWDs) Chief. Barr. Burki Ayuba Gufwan, the President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) Abdullahi Aliyu Usman, the CEO of the Albino Foundation, Jake Epelle, and representatives from Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) and other Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
During the hearing, Hon. Bashiru Dawodu opened with welcoming remarks, followed by Hon. Ihonvbare, who commended the NGOs and government agencies for their work in enforcing the Prohibition Against Discrimination of PWDs Act, 2018. The Executive Secretary of the NCPWD then addressed the ongoing efforts and challenges in implementing the Act. He emphasized the importance of collecting accurate data on persons with disabilities, acknowledging the reluctance of some individuals to disclose their disabilities. He further highlighted accessibility challenges in education, healthcare, and public infrastructure and requested amendments to the Act for further improvements.
Several NGOs raised concerns over the lack of accessible facilities at the National Assembly itself and urged for improved accessibility in public transport for PWDs. Additionally, the sign language interpreters expressed issues with their visibility during broadcasts, which affects millions of deaf viewers nationwide.
The hearing concluded with Hon. Dawodu encouragingly the submission of written concerns for future consideration as the assembly continues to address these vital issues.