The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities says only 4,000 out of 35.1 million persons living with disabilities are duly registered.
This was made known by the Executive Secretary of the commission, Mr James Lalu, on Monday in Kano during the issuance of permanent certificates to PLWDs in the North-West region.
Represented by Ikem Uchegbulam, Director of Compliance and Enforcement of the commission, he explained that the programme was meant to sensitise PLWDs on the benefits of certification.
According to him, the exercise was in line with Section 28 of the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities Act.
He noted that PLWDs can obtain a permanent certificate from the commission, while temporary certifications for those unable to use a body part are being issued by medical doctors.
“In addition to acting as a means of identification, the act has made the certificate a legal requirement for obtaining remedy from the law court, hence the need for possession of the certificate,” he added.
Lalu urged all Nigerians living with a disability to obtain the certificate to fully access its benefits.
He said only PLWDs with valid certificates can receive and seek treatments as stated in the Disability Act.
The Chairman, Joint National Association of People With Disabilities in Kano State, Malam Musa Muhammad, lauded the commission for the exercise as well as for promoting disability inclusion.
He appealed to the public and private institutions to ensure that infrastructure-friendly facilities are made available to aid members’ movements.
(NAN)
