FG calls for creation of ECOWAS disability agency to integrate policies on PWDs

The federal government has called for the creation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) agency for disability affairs (EADA).

Abel Enitan, the permanent secretary at the ministry of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, said the agency will provide an all-inclusive region for people with disabilities (PWDs) in member countries.

“In order to make an all-inclusive region for persons with disabilities in member states, Nigeria is calling for the establishment of the “ECOWAS Agency for Disability Affairs,” Enitan said.

“This affirmative action must be viewed through the prism of human diversity while ensuring that individuals with disabilities have as many opportunities as possible to participate in all levels of decision-making in ECOWAS in the spirit of  ‘nothing about us without us’ so that no one falls behind.”

He said disability inclusion “remains a critical issue in the region, with millions of individuals experiencing barriers to empowerment initiatives and social protection, among others”.

“Disability is a part of human diversity that must be respected and supported in all its forms, people with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else in society,” he added.

Fatou Sow Sarr, ECOWAS commissioner for human development and social affairs, stressed the vulnerability of PWDs.

She said the regional body has increased its efforts and is working with various bodies to initiate programmes to provide palliatives for the PWDs.

She added that the commission is implementing a pilot project in Togo and Nigeria to provide assistive devices to children with disabilities.