BUHARI SIGNS DISABILITY BILL
khaleb
Jan 24, 2019
President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the Discrimination Against Persons with disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
READ ALSO: Sowore's Miscalculation and the Need to beat a Wise Retreat
Presidential Liaison to the National Assembly (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, said the law 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.
READ ALSO: Why El-Rufai Was Returned To ICPC Custody?
A statement he signed on Wednesday added that it also guarantees right to maintain a civil action for damage by the person injured against any defaulter.
It reads: "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 wheelchairs.
"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.
READ ALSO: KUJE JAILBREAK: We Still Have A Lot To Do To Put Evil Forces In Check - Tinubu
"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.'
"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.
READ ALSO: Suspension of Flights from Nigeria extended to March 10 - Emirates | READ DETAILS
"This applies to Seaports, Railways and Airport facilities.
READ ALSO: I Will Not Allow Criminality As President, Peter Obi Declares
The rights and privileges include education, healthcare, priority in accommodation and emergencies.
READ ALSO: Chidinma Finally Reveals How She Strangled Usifo Ataga Before Stabbing Him
"Furthermore, all public organisations are to reserve at least 5 % of employment opportunities for these persons.
READ ALSO: How Customer, DSS Official, Allegedly K!lled A Tailor In Abuja | READ DETAILS
"The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is also established in Section 31 with Executive Secretary as the head,ÔÇØ Enang noted.
Daily Post
Related Stories
REVEALED: How All Progressives Congress (APC) Played Into The Opposition Hands Ahead Of 2027 - Sumner Sambo Warns
I Will Not Allow Criminality As President, Peter Obi Declares
Why El-Rufai Was Returned To ICPC Custody?
Sowore's Miscalculation and the Need to beat a Wise Retreat
Tinubu Breaks Silence on Hardship, Inflation, Power Crisis - Vows Nigeria Will Overcome Economic Storm
"Terrorists Have Outgunned Our TroopsÔÇØ - Ndume Raises Alarm Over Boko Haram War, Sends Urgent Message To Tinubu
""
— khaleb