Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has asked the federal government to increase the budget allocation for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the 2024 supplementary budget and 2025 budget.
The executive director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani made the call during a two-day multi-stakeholder forum on disability-inclusive governance in Nigeria organised by the National Democratic Institute and the House of Representatives in collaboration with Accelerate Disability Inclusion in Emergencies Forum (ADIE) in Abuja.
Represented by programme officer of the centre, Suleiman Mande, Rafsanjani said the move aims to promote inclusivity in Nigeria’s governance processes and address the socio-economic challenges faced by PWDs.
“Increased budget allocation for PWDs is crucial for their full participation in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political landscape,” he said.
CISLAC also advocated increased funding for education, healthcare, employment opportunities and accessible infrastructure for PWDs.
The organisation also urged enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and implementation of legislations and policies promoting employment opportunities and entrepreneurship for PWDs.