The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called on the Nigerian government to prioritize the needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs) by significantly increasing the budget allocation to foster a more inclusive governance process in Nigeria.
Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director of CISLAC, issued this call in a statement on Thursday, emphasizing the necessity of addressing the serious socio-economic challenges faced by PWDs to ensure their full participation in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political landscape.
“This crucial step is necessary to address the serious socio-economic challenges faced by PWDs and ensure their full participation in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political landscape,” Rafsanjani stated. He highlighted that the limited funds currently allocated to cater to the needs of PWDs are insufficient for their inclusion and equity in society.
Rafsanjani stressed that socio-economic and political inclusion of PWDs in the Nigerian governance system is essential for good governance to prevail. “Inclusivity in governance through active participation of every member of society ensures that each member contributes towards the development of their society,” he said.
Despite efforts by the federal government and National Assembly members to address the challenges faced by PWDs, Rafsanjani noted that more needs to be done to adequately cater to their daily needs. He pointed out 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 such as education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and accessible infrastructure.
“Despite the passage of the 2024 appropriation bill, we urge the government to increase the budget for PWDs, drawing from contingency funds allocated for unforeseen circumstances,” Rafsanjani said.
He highlighted the significant barriers faced by PWDs that hinder their full participation in society, such as limited access to quality education, inadequate skills acquisition programs, higher unemployment rates, and inaccessible healthcare facilities. These challenges perpetuate a cycle of poverty and social exclusion, reducing life expectancy and overall health among PWDs.
Rafsanjani also emphasized the need for increased budgetary allocations for the education, healthcare, employment, and infrastructure needs of PWDs. He called for investment in special education programs, vocational training, inclusive schools and workplaces, accessible healthcare services, and employment opportunities for PWDs.
“CISLAC urges the Nigerian government to demonstrate a genuine commitment to the rights and well-being of PWDs by increasing the budget allocation for disability-inclusive programs,” Rafsanjani stated. He also called on the government to enforce existing anti-discrimination laws and ensure that PWDs are not marginalized in society.
Lastly, Rafsanjani urged the federal government to increase the budgetary allocation for building accessible infrastructure for PWDs and to enforce laws that sanction violators. “Development of public infrastructure that is accessible to all people, regardless of abilities, is significant,” he said.
CISLAC reaffirms its commitment to advocating for the rights of PWDs and calls on all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, civil society, media, youth, and women groups, to join hands in promoting an inclusive society where every Nigerian, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and contribute to national development.