The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Ayuba Burki Gufwan, has unveiled the National Certificates of compliance.
The commission said this is meant to ensure the enforcement of discrimination against persons with disabilities.
The executive secretary said the certificates represent a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards inclusivity and accessibility for persos with disabilities.
He explained that the National Accessibility Regulations 2023, which is a subsidiary legislation under the Disability Act 2018, provides that the commission shall develop a guideline for the implementation of the regulations.
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Gufwan spoke at the official rollout and unveiling of the national certificates of compliance yesterday in Abuja.
The executive secretary noted that the unveiling of the compliance certificates would, in turn, lead to effective enforcement of the regulations, which would also lead to the issuance of the following certifications and the resultant fees for services.
“The National Accessibility Compliance Certificates will be made available to property owners, companies and organisations. These include new building owners, accessibility experts and disability, including development trainers’ licensing and training fees.
“These guidelines have been developed and await gazette publication and codification by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. The process of certification will generate internally generated revenue (IGR) for the commission and the government. The issuance of certificates and the processing of third-party licencees are fully provided for in the guidelines. It shall be administered and processed by the relevant department in the commission,” he said.
Gufwan assured all stakeholders that a centralised issuance to be personally signed by the executive secretary is a sure guarantee against counterfeiting, coupled with other security safeguards.
According to him, the importance of
accessibility is a fundamental human right essential for persons with disabilities to participate fully in society.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who was represented by a Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Head of Service, Mrs. Patience Onyekere, noted that the unveiling of the certificates marked an important milestone in the country.
The HoCSF said it encompassed equity, access and inclusiveness for all.