JUST IN: Buhari Signs Law Prohibiting Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities

* Sets up National Commission for persons with disabilities

President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the Discrimination
Against Persons with disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.

The Act prohibits all forms of discrimination on the ground of
disability and imposes fine of N1, 000, 000 for corporate bodies
and N100, 000 for individuals or a term of six months imprisonment
for violation concurrently it guarantees right to maintain a civil
action for damage by the person injured against any defaulter.

According to a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by Ita
Enang, Presidential Liaison to the National Assembly – Senate, the
Act provides for a five-year transitional period within which
public buildings, structures or automobile are to be modified to be
accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities, including
those on

The Act further provides: ‘’Before erecting any public
structure, its plan shall be scrutinized by the relevant authority
to ensure that the plan conforms with the building code.

“A government or government agency, body or individual
responsible for the approval of building plans shall not approve
the plan of a public building if the plan does not make provision
for accessibility facilities in line with the building code.

“An officer who approves or directs the approval of a building
plan that contravenes the building code commits an offence and is
liable on conviction to a fine of at least N1, 000, 000 or a term
of imprisonment of two years or both.’’

The statement informed that discrimination is prohibited in
public transportation facilities and service providers are to make
provision for the physically, visually and hearing impaired and all
persons howsoever challenged. This applies to Seaports, Railways
and Airport facilities.

The rights and privileges include education, healthcare,
priority in accommodation and emergencies, it said.

Furthermore, all public organisations are to reserve at least 5
% of employment opportunities for these persons.

The statement said that the National Commission for Persons with
Disabilities is also established in Section 31 with Executive
Secretary as the head.