Senator Shehu Sani has called on President Bola Tinubu to allocate a 25% fuel subsidy palliative to Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
During a visit to the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in Abuja on Friday, Sani, accompanied by PWD leaders from Kaduna State, emphasized the importance of providing this 25% consideration due to the severe impact of economic challenges on the disabled community.
Pointing out that there are over 35 million PWD in Nigeria who not only grapple with disabilities but also face poverty, Sani described their situation as a “double tragedy.”
Expressing optimism in the judicious distribution of the palliative, he urged for its timely release to the commission to support the PWD community.
Sani also highlighted the major challenge of funding faced by the commission, which was evident from his interactions with the management.
“I am happy that you have been able to carry out your mandate as a commission even with the meagre resources.
“I commend your hard work and that of the management in ensuring that the mandate of the commission was followed through.
“My relationship with them is not political but a matter of personal conviction,” he said.
He further said, “It has always been a passion to ensure that persons with disabilities are given the opportunity to contribute to national development.
“I have always enquire to ensure that the commission is directly connected to the people it was created for.
“I heard that some people with disabilities find it difficult to get in touch with the commission.
“So, other states can key into this initiative as we have done today.”
The Executive Secretary, NCPWD, Mr James Lalu, called on Nigerians to support the commission to enable it carry out its responsibilities.
He said the call had become necessary because of the plight of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
“One could rarely see a family without persons with disabilities.
“As such, we are calling on well meaning Nigerians to support this commission to properly serve those it was established for.
“We do not need handouts. We are smart and intelligent and when given the opportunity we will contribute to the development of Nigeria,”he said.
The executive secretary commended the Federal Government for providing job opportunities for some persons with disabilities.
He said, “over 200 people with disabilities have been offered jobs in the public service and they have started work.
“I commend former President Muhammadu Buhari for his support and also President Bola Tinubu, who has started carrying us along.”
He further commended Sen. Sani for his contribution towards the passage of the bill that established the commission.
“I remember then in the 9th National Assembly when we were always coming out to protest the non passage of our bill.
“At a point the bill got missing and Sen. Sani helped to find it then followed through until it was passed and assented to.
“For this we remain eternally grateful and we are ready to partner with him and his network of friends to impact the lives of persons with disabilities.”