Reps seek 10 % jobs for persons with disabilities implementation

The House of Representatives has urged the Head of Service of the Federation (HoSF) to implement the 10 percent job reservation in Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (NDAs) of the Government for Persons Living With Disability (PLWD).

This is sequel to the adoption of a motion by Rep. Kafila Ogbara (APC-Lagos) at the plenary in Abuja on Thursday

The House warned against discrimination against PLWD, adding that public buildings should be made accessible to them.

The House also told the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to direct the HoSF and MDAs to adhere strictly to the provisions of Section 29 of the Discrimination Against PLWD Prohibition Act, 2018.

The House said this is by way of providing 10 per cent of jobs available for the physically challenged persons in Nigeria.

Ogbara in her motion said that discrimination against PLWD Act 2018 was enacted part of the efforts to ensure that the rights of disabled persons in the country were safeguarded.

She said Section 6 of the Act provides that there shall be a transitory period of five years within which all public buildings and structures must be accessible and usable by PLWD.

She said that Section 29 of the Act provides that all employers of labor in public organizations shall, as much as possible, have persons with disabilities constituting at least 5 percent of their employment.

Ogbara said that the five-year transitory period provided under Section 6 of the Discrimination against PLWD Act, 2018, had lapsed, hence the need for its full implementation.

She said it was the duty of the government to ensure that these rights of every Nigerian were respected, protected, and fulfilled.

The House, while further adopting the motion, also urged all relevant security agencies to commence full enforcement of the provisions of the Act.

The House also said that when constituted, its committees on Public Service Matters, Federal Character, and Legislative Compliance should ensure the implementation of the Act.