CISLAC Urges Increased Budget for Persons with Disabilities to Promote Inclusivity

Bilkisu Adejoh

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to significantly increase the budget allocation for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the 2024 supplementary and 2025 budgets.

This increase is deemed essential to foster a more inclusive governance process and address the socio-economic challenges faced by PWDs.

The appeal was made in a recent statement by the Executive Director, CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani)

Rafsanjani highlighted the importance of equitable treatment for all members of society to ensure a functioning democracy.

He emphasized that the socio-economic and political inclusion of PWDs is crucial for good governance.

CISLAC Boss noted that while efforts have been made to address the challenges faced by PWDs, more needs to be done, particularly in increasing budgetary allocations.

“The current funds are insufficient to meet the needs of over 30 million Nigerians living with disabilities, leaving many without access to essential services such as education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and accessible infrastructure.
Despite the passage of the 2024 appropriation bill and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, implementation has been hampered by inadequate funding.” Said Rafsanjani

He urged the government to utilize contingency funds to increase the budget for PWDs.

CISLAC pointed out that PWDs face significant barriers, including limited access to education, high unemployment rates, and inadequate healthcare facilities. These challenges hinder their full participation in society and contribute to social exclusion and discrimination.

CISLAC provided several recommendations to the government and they include:

Increase Budget for Disability-Inclusive Programs: Demonstrate a commitment to the rights and well-being of PWDs by boosting funding for relevant programs.

Enhance Education for PWDs: Invest in special education programs, vocational training, and inclusive schools to equip PWDs with necessary skills.

Improve Healthcare Services: Allocate funds for accessible healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, assistive devices, and specialized medical care for PWDs.

Promote Employment and Economic Empowerment: Implement policies that promote employment opportunities for PWDs, support entrepreneurship, and enforce anti-discrimination laws in the workplace.

Develop Accessible Infrastructure: Increase budget allocation for building accessible public infrastructure, including government buildings, hospitals, transportation systems, and communication technologies.

CISLAC reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights of PWDs and called on all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, civil society, media, and various groups, to promote an inclusive society where every Nigerian, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute to national development.