PWDs to FG: We’re worst hit by petrol subsidy removal — give us 5% of palliatives

The National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD) says five percent of the N5 billion palliative given to states should be allocated to persons living with disabilities (PWDs).

In a statement issued on Saturday, Rilwan Mohammed, national president of the association, said the demand is in line with the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Prohibition Act.

The federal government recently announced the approval of N5 billion palliative for each state and the federal capital territory (FCT).

The palliative is to ease the hardship of the petrol subsidy removal on Nigerians.

Mohammed expressed concern over the exclusion of PWDs in the federal government’s support plans, adding that petrol subsidy removal has caused sufferings to the PWD community.

He said PWDs are meant to be protected and prioritised during humanitarian emergencies.

“The impact of the removal has continued to have a debilitating impact on PWDs who are largely poor and vulnerable,” NAN quoted Mohammed as saying.

“The inability of PWDs to afford decent food, healthcare and necessities of life have been compounded and made worse with the recent situation in the country.

“Our members now find it difficult to access public transport as the transport system is largely inaccessible and unaffordable to members of the disability community.”

The national president said the subsidy removal has caused a surge in prices of food items and transportation, adding that accessible transport systems should be provided for PWDs.

“The vehicles should also be fitted with signage and electronic display for directions with audio announcements for the benefit of the deaf and the blind,” he said.

“All these are provided for in the disability law.

“Our demands, therefore, are not based on charity requests but consistent with legal provisions.”