CISLAC Urges Nigerian Government to Boost Budget Allocation for Persons with Disabilities
Maryam Aminu
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 move aims to foster inclusivity in Nigeria’s governance processes and address the socio-economic challenges faced by PWDs.
CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), made this known in a press statement made available to journalists today in Abuja
Rafsanjani emphasized the necessity of prioritizing PWDs to ensure their full participation in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political landscape.
He highlighted that despite the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, inadequate funding has hampered its implementation, leaving many PWDs without access to essential services such as education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and accessible infrastructure.
“Democracy requires that every member of society be treated equitably and with utmost priority,” said Musa. “The inclusion of PWDs in governance is not only paramount but necessary for good governance to prevail in Nigeria.”
Despite commendable efforts by the federal government and National Assembly members, CISLAC contends that more needs to be done to cater adequately to the daily needs of PWDs.
CISLAC called for an increase in budgetary allocations to PWDs, utilizing contingency funds in the 2024 appropriation bill.
CISLAC’s recommendations include:
Increased Budget for Education: Investment in special education programs, vocational training, inclusive schools, and skills acquisition workshops to equip PWDs for gainful employment.
Improved Healthcare Services: Allocation for accessible healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, assistive devices, and specialized medical care for PWDs.
Others include: Employment and Economic Empowerment: Implementation of policies promoting employment opportunities, support for entrepreneurship, and enforcement of anti-discrimination laws in the workplace.
Accessible Infrastructure: Increased budget for building and maintaining accessible public infrastructure, including government buildings, private buildings, transport facilities, and communication technologies.
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 can thrive and contribute to national development.
