The chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Disabilities, Princess Miriam Onuoha, has said that no Ministry, Department of Agency (MDA) of the Federal Government is exempted or excluded from implementing the Discrimination against Persons with Disability Act.
The chairman made the remark during a one-day round table organized by the INCLUSION magazine and The Albinism Foundation, with the theme, “Confronting the challenges of the safety of persons with albinism” in Abuja.
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Onuoha stressed that the prohibition act does not exempt any organization from implementing any part of the act or discriminating in the course of recruitment or otherwise.
Responding to statement by Nigerian Army on why persons with disabilities are exempted from applying to be recruited into the military, Onuoha pointed out that the Army has other units that are not combatant or require the use of arms.
“The 5% allocation for recruitment is sacrosanct and mandatory for all agencies, persons with disabilities can be exempted from those strenuous training and given certain privileges as it is readily done in the NYSC where persons collect exemption letters.
“If legislation is required we can begin to work on that but as the law stands it covers everyone, we can collaborate and look for possible solutions to accommodate all Nigerians.
“Persons with disabilities can be deployed to work in other units that are not combatant, like communications, administration or others.”
The Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission, Mr Anthony Ojukwu, in his paper presentation, noted that there were a lot of legal framework already in existence that protects the rights of persons with albinism.
The NHRC boss was represented by Oluchi Adieze who added that awareness campaign must be prioritized across all states to sensitize Nigerians on the capabilities and merits of persons with albinism.
Adieze called for tougher legislations to curb violence against persons with albinism, ensure provision of safe spaces, prosecute perpetrators, combat impunity and rally support for the victims.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr James Lalu pointed out that with the emergence of climate change, most weather conditions are dangerous to persons with disabilities.
The NCPWD boss was represented by Mrs Nike Akinbola said that the direct exposure to the sun makes albinos prone to skin cancer.
She emphasized that the commission is committed to protecting the live and property of persons with disabilities.
Mr Jake Epelle, the Chief Executive Officer of the Albinism Foundation commended the INCLUSION magazine for this laudable event and added that one of the greatest challenges of the persons with albinism is that they do not demand for their rights.
“Asking for extra time during examinations has already been approved by the ministry of education, but unfortunately persons with albinism are not aware of this and so do not demand for it”.
He pleaded with security agencies to make use of the inter security manual for persons with disabilities to enhance their operations during conflict and accommodate persons with disabilities.
Earlier, Major Nasiru Sabo of the Nigerian Army revealed that most of the recent passed laws have not yet been communicated to the men of the services.
According to him, the army does not have any special privilege for persons with albinism but rather it prioritizes civilians and vulnerable persons which cover persons with disabilities.
Representative of Lawyers with disability (ALDIN) Florence Marcus called for positive steps to assist persons with albinism address their health challenges
Representative of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Mrs Grace Mama promised to make their platform available to curb harmful practices against persons with albinism.
