| SENATE OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA |
The Bill seeks to facilitate the integration of persons with disabilities into the society and create a National Commission which would cater for their education, health care and the protection of their social, economic and civil rights.
The Bill is sponsored by Senator Francis Alimikhena representing Edo North Senatorial District who led the debate on the floor of the Senate who informed the members that there were more than 30 million disabled Nigerians. He recalled that there had been a Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Bill which had been passed by the National Assembly but was not assented into law.
Other members who contributed to the debate on the floor included Senators Umaru Kurfi (Katsina Central) and Phillip Gyunka ((Nasarawa North), both spoke in favour.
Speaking the Senate President, Bukola Saraki expressed appreciation for the Bill presented by Senator Alimikhena and he said he was hopeful that the Bill would be passed into law soon to enable the integration of persons with disabilities into the society.
The Bill was thereafter referred to the Senate Committees on Sport and that of Poverty Alleviation and Social Welfare.
It is observed that the persons living with disabilities in Nigeria are not legally provided for in the country. In the developed countries provisions like access to buildings, special lanes and parking spaces, etc. are viewed as the norm. It is hoped that this Bill when passed into law would cover all this.
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