National News
Stakeholders Call for Immediate Implementation of the National Disability Act
Stakeholders Call for Immediate Implementation of the National Disability Act
By: Michael Mike
Stakeholders have advocated for the immediately implementation of Discrimination Against Persons with disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2019 popularly called The National Disability Act.
The stakeholders who were at a two-day National Co-creations Stakeholders Convening in Abuja with a convergence of an array of stakeholders including Senior Special Assistants to governors on Disability related matters from different states in the Federation, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Non-government Organisation (NGO) community representatives, implementing partners, Ministries, Departments & Agencies (MDAs) hosted by Centre for Ability Rehabilitation and Empowerment (CARE) in collaboration with Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Community of Practice with the theme: “The National Disability Act post moratorium: Advancing Inclusion and accessibility for those vulnerable and outside the margin”, also called for the review and amendment of some sections of the act to conform with
emerging realities.
The stakeholders recalled that Discrimination Against Persons with disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2019 popularly called The National Disability Act was passed by the National Assembly and signed into an Act by President Muhammadu Buhari after almost 19 years of engagements with the National Assembly, adding that the Act with 10 parts seeks to protect the rights and ensure adequate inclusion of persons with disabilities in line with the United Nations Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), but that however “after 5 years of its existence, the implementation of the act had been considered to be at a snail-pace with several rights holders calling
for speedy actions while some sections require review/amendment to conform with
emerging realities.”
The communique read that: “The convening aimed to discuss advancing Inclusion and accessibility for those vulnerable and outside the margin post-moratorium of the Disability Act. With the recent elapsed moratorium period of the Act, on January 24th, 2024, it is imperative to come together to discuss the domestication and implementation stages at National and State levels and strategize the next steps to ensure that the Act not only continue
to protect Persons with Disabilities, but also advance the Inclusion and accessibility
for those who are most vulnerable and marginalised in our society.
The convening served as a convergence point, bringing together an array of
stakeholders including Senior Special Assistants to governors on Disability related
matters from different states in the Federation, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs),
Non-government Organisation (NGO) community representatives, implementing
partners, Ministries, Departments & Agencies.
The stakeholders identify gaps and challenges in mainstreaming Persons with Disabilities, particularly in budget allocation, appointments and modalities for implementation of penalties, sensitize and increase awareness among duty bearers and right-holders about the National Disability Act, 2019.
Stakeholders acknowledged several challenges faced after the
passage of the Disability Act at the National, State and local level, recognising that Part 1 of the National Disability Act used the term integration and not
Inclusion and this further increases the gap to ensure full Inclusion, as integration means bringing people together without providing reasonable accommodation as it relates to their diversity, while Inclusion does both.
They also recognize that some states have domesticated the Disability Law and established disability commission but, implementation is still very weak, while other states have neither domesticated nor even passed or drafted bill, disclosing that states that have domesticated and implemented the Disability Act include: Anambra, Lagos,
Ekiti, Rivers, Bauchi, Nassarawa, Abia, Delta. Kwara, Kaduna, Kano, kogi, Edo,
Adamawa, Plateau, Jigawa, and Ondo.
They said: “Though these states have domesticated the Act, the level of implementation varies. While the remaining states have not domesticated the Act.
“Minimum accessibility standard/regulation is yet to be a legal document. Tokenism is still an issue plaguing the full implementation of the Disability Act
as a lot of duty bearers have not fully adopted the human rights approach.
“Leaders who represent disability groups in meetings do not disseminate
information to other persons with disabilities and this leads to information gap. Victimization of persons with disabilities by political appointees who are also
persons with disabilities. Continuous discrimination of Persons with Disabilities in accessing Inclusive airline services and other forms of basic services.
“Little or no budget allocation for persons with Disabilities at all levels.”
Having acknowledged the gaps and challenges in the domestication and full
implementation of the National Disability Act 2019 through robust discussion, the
participants resolved: “To advocate for the removal of the word ‘’Integration’’ as enshrined in part one of the National Disability Act and rather replace with
‘’Inclusion’’ as this is more robust and tends to close the gap to provide a culture of diversity, equity and sense of belonging not contained in the National Disability Act.
“To work together, collaborate more to ensure the full Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities at all levels. To organise Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) members and ensure to meet with the Governor and or the
chief of Staff of Kwara State.
“To engage Commissioners in charge of Disability matters. To intensify advocacy efforts on the establishment of Disability
Commission through the use of radio and other media. To replicate this event in Anambra State to examine and evaluate the
implementation of the Act in collaboration with Anambra State Disability Commission.
“To bridge the communication gap between Persons with Disabilities and
Persons without Disabilities through the use of technology.
“To replicate same programme in Imo State to strengthen the capacity of
JONAPWD Executives and members in the state, increase advocacy to
ensure the passage of the disability law and establishment of the
disability commission in Imo State.
“To liaise with relevant stakeholders (Government and Private sector,
JONAPWD leadership, State commission for PWD, SA to governors etc) to strengthen collaboration in increasing advocacy for the
implementation and compliance to the state disability law.
“To replicate same programmes in other States to strengthen the capacity
of Disability groups and members in the state, increase advocacy to
ensure the domestication of the disability law, it’s full implementations
and to ensure the establishment of the disability commission at all state
levels.”
Stakeholders Call for Immediate Implementation of the National Disability Act
NIMC Promotes 523 Staff Members
By: Michael Mike
The DG/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote has approved the promotion of 523 Staff of the Commission.
The promotion, according to a statement on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Commission, Dr. Kayode Adegoke is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Adegoke said: “This is a statutory part of the performance reward system for Staff who sat and met the pre-requisite conditions as spelt out in the Public Service Rules (PSR) in the 2025 promotion exercise.
He disclosed that accordingly, two staff members were promoted to the Director’s cadre (GL 17), and eight staff members moved to the Deputy Director cadre (GL 16) and 35 staff staff members promoted to the Assistant Director cadre (GL 15).
He further disclosed that 35 staff were promoted to the level of Chief Identity Officers (GL 14), with 109 moving to Assistant Chief Identity Officers (GL 13).
Adegoke said 113 officers moved to the rank of Principal Identity Officer (GL 12), while 82 were promoted to Senior Identity Officer ranks (GL 10), and 130 to the rank of Identity Officer 1 ( GL 9).
The DG/CEO congratulated all the promoted staff and charged them to see the promotion as an opportunity to serve the country better. She reiterated zero tolerance for extortion and warned staff to desist from it.
Engr Coker-Odusote, furthermore, encouraged all staff members of the Commission to work harder in the coming year 2026 and ensure the successful implementation of the National Identification Number project. She reiterated her commitment to prioritise staff welfare and ensure the dignity of labour.
NIMC Promotes 523 Staff Members
VP Shettima Extols Gov Uzodimma’s Progressive Leadership At 67
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has congratulated Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma, on his 67th birthday, saying his exemplary and progressive leadership within the All Progressives Congress (APC), his state, and the nation at large is worthy of emulation.
He noted that as Chairman of the PGF, an umbrella body of Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Uzodimma has demonstrated exceptional capacity to unite and galvanise the party’s Governors towards achieving a collective vision for Nigeria’s development under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Vice President on Saturday, described the age of 67 as an important milestone in the life of Uzodimma, noting that the special moment reflects how far the Governor has come, and sets the stage for what lies ahead.
Acknowledging how Uzodimma’s “exemplary leadership as Executive Governor of Imo State continues to inspire confidence and progress,” VP Shettima described the PGF Chairman as a committed servant of Nigeria.
“Your recent appointment by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as Renewed Hope Ambassador is a well-deserved recognition of your unwavering dedication to the ideals of our administration and your proven ability to articulate and champion the transformative agenda of the Renewed Hope mandate across our nation,” the VP told the Governor.
This singular honour, Senator Shettima said, reflects President Tinubu’s confidence in Governor Uzodimma’s leadership and commitment to national progress.
He observed that the Imo State Governor’s strategic governance, infrastructural achievements, and dedication to the prosperity of his state exemplify the progressive leadership Nigeria needs at this crucial time.
The Vice President prayed the Almighty God to grant Governor Uzodimma continued wisdom, good health, and strength to sustain his “remarkable service to Imo State and Nigeria.”
VP Shettima Extols Gov Uzodimma’s Progressive Leadership At 67
EU Invests Additional €45 million in Nigeria’s Digital Economy
By: Michael Mike
The Europe Union (EU) is investing an additional €45 million in Nigeria’s digital economy.
The package was signed by the Nigerian Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela in Brussels.
A statement on Thursday by EU read: “At the EU-Nigeria Digital Open Day, which just took place in Brussels, a €45 million programme completing the EU Digital Economy Package for Nigeria was signed between Nigerian Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela.
“This investment will further support the cooperation in digital sector between Nigeria and the European Union.”
The European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, said: “Global Gateway is about delivering new opportunities, and the EU-Nigerian cooperation in the digital area has a very strong potential to do exactly that. Our approach to digitalisation is based on skills-transfer, open standards, data protection, privacy and security. This way, we make sure that technologies truly enrich human lives. The new package will take our efforts even further by supporting modern e-public services and investing in the skills that will prepare Nigeria’s youth for the digital future.”
The Nigerian Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani added: The EU–Nigeria digital economy cooperation reflects our shared belief that digital transformation must provide a platform for growth in productivity driven by technology. As part of this, Project Bridge provides a commercially sustainable entry point for European investors and suppliers to participate in deploying an open-access fibre network at scale. Combined with our leadership in Artificial Intelligence, Digital Public Infrastructure and programmes such as 3 million Technical Talents, Nigeria offers European businesses a market where talent, demand and policy alignment converge to support long-term investment and expansion.”
The programme signed on Thursday includes a flagship Global Gateway support to the Project Bridge that aims to deploy 90 000 km of fibre-optic backbone across Nigeria. This project is the country’s most ambitious digital investment supported by loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, World Bank and African Development Bank.
The €45 million grant supports the preparation of this strategic project with technical assistance and equipment in three complementary ways: for the detailed fiber optic network design, for local skills development and for the supply chain deployment with the mobilisation of the EU private sector.
The EU programme will also contribute to modernise Nigeria’s public administration through secure, user-friendly digital services. it also involves targeted support for Nigeria’s nationwide digital-skills programme, helping train a new generation of technicians, engineers and IT specialists.
According to the statement, this is essential to create new jobs, because large-scale digital projects can only work if the local workforce can maintain, operate and innovate on these networks.
The objective of the EU-Nigeria Open Digital Day was to facilitate access to information for European investors and suppliers interested in participating in the Nigerian digital ecosystem. The focus was on the Project Bridge, presented as an opportunity for collaborations between the EU tech sector and Nigeria.
With this €1.7 billion flagship project is projected to extend Nigeria’s total fibre to 125 000 km (+70%), making it the third-longest terrestrial fibre-optic infrastructure in Africa, following Egypt and South Africa.
Digitalisation is a priority area for the EU-Nigeria partnership as reflected in the €820 million Digital Economy Package launched in 2022 under the EU Global Gateway strategy. The EU-Nigeria collaboration in this sector spans from connectivity to digital skills, entrepreneurship, service and governance with multiple projects.
Nigeria’s digital economy has potential to create jobs, foster economic growth and open greater democratic space in Africa. Nigeria hosts big companies, and Lagos offers digital and business ecosystem with incubators, access to finance and digital service platforms. It has the biggest e-commerce market in Africa with 87 platforms, employing some 2.9 million people.
It is also leading on the continent on digital and start-ups – of the 8 existing African unicorns, 6 are Nigerian, with impressively dynamic States (Lagos) eager to create an ecosystem that promotes innovation, youth and growth largely led by the digital sector.
Global Gateway is the EU’s positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment disparity and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems.
The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions.
Together, they aim to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.
EU Invests Additional €45 million in Nigeria’s Digital Economy
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