By Sharon Akuboh
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion with the development of a comprehensive Disability Policy Document aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs).
This assurance was given by the Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Honourable Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, during a courtesy visit by the FCT Chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD).
She disclosed that the approval by the FCT Minister to establish a Disability Desk Unit within the Secretariat—headed by a person living with disability—underscores the administration’s resolve to institutionalize inclusion and protect the interests of the disability community.
“You may recall that the implementation of the Disability Act and Policy in the FCT is being carried out in collaboration with the World Bank and was signed by the Honourable Minister. The Women Affairs Secretariat is primarily coordinating this process,” she stated.
Highlighting the guiding principle behind the initiative, she said the slogan “Nothing about you, without you” inspired the creation of the Disability Desk, which is expected to be replicated across all Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies within the FCT.
Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi further revealed plans to establish a full-fledged FCT Disability Agency, pending approval from the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, whose administration she credited with advancing inclusive policies.
She also noted a landmark decision by the Minister to designate December 10 annually as a day to spotlight and address issues affecting the adolescent girl child—an initiative described as the first of its kind in Nigeria.
Calling for stronger collaboration, the Mandate Secretary urged stakeholders and development partners to intensify efforts toward eliminating barriers that limit the full participation of PWDs in society.
In his remarks, Acting Chairman of JONAPWD FCT Chapter, Mr. Ayoade Beyioku Alase, commended the FCTA for its proactive steps and sustained advocacy for the disability community.
He also appreciated the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her recent empowerment of 250 persons with disabilities with financial support.
While acknowledging ongoing progress, Alase appealed for the urgent establishment of the proposed FCT Agency for Persons with Disabilities, noting that although 25 states have domesticated the Disability Act, the FCT is yet to create its own agency—making it the only entity in the North Central region without one.
He outlined key priorities for the disability community, including access to free health insurance, disability-friendly healthcare services, employment opportunities, social protection, and empowerment programmes.
Other areas of concern include operational support for JONAPWD FCT Chapter, improved data inclusion, and infrastructure upgrades to ensure public facilities are accessible to all.
Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi commended JONAPWD as a critical partner and reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of persons living with disabilities.