In a bid to provide accessible and affordable Housing Units for Persons With Disabilities across Nigeria, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, Dr. James David Lalu in his usual inclusive advocacy, presented copies of the Accessibility Regulations to the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa recently in Abuja.
While addressing the Minister, the Executive Secretary stated that the Commission is taking a step further to fulfill its mission by providing affordable and accessible houses for Persons with Disabilities which will be guided by the prescription and measurements specified in the structural engineering documents.
He said that many public buildings in Nigeria do not conform with building codes contained in the Accessibility Regulations (AR).
The Commission helmsman underscored the importance of considering the parameters and conditions stipulated in the documents.
“I want to assure you that as the Federal government embarks on building houses for the citizens, the Accessibility Regulations will make the designs globally acceptable” he added.
Dr Lalu further emphasized that over 35 million Nigerians with Disabilities are waiting to enjoy the dividends of democracy through the Renewed Hope schemes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The Honorable Minister of Housing and Urban development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa during his keynote address, commended the Commission for adequately representing over 35 million Nigerians With Disabilities.
The Housing Minister, reiterated that his office is constantly in touch with the provisos of the sections of the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities, 2018 (Prohibition) Act.
Dangiwa stressed that section 3,4,5 and 7 of the Act are clear about the parameters in the construction of public facilities from foundation to finish.
He equally informed the meeting of the various schemes developed by the government to accommodate every category of workers who dreams to own a home. “Some of these include the “Rent to Own” Monthly subscription and outright purchase” he said.
“Housing is a fundamental right of every citizen of Nigeria and must not be denied anyone” he further emphasized.
The Minister, nevertheless, assured that the “Renewed home” estates is a project targeted at providing homes for all Nigerians across the 774 local governments in the six geo-political zones of the country.
The meeting also had in attendance the Hon. Minister of State, Housing and Urban development, Hon. Abdulahi Tijani Mohammed Gwarzo, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, as well as some Directors of the Ministry and the Commission.
Mbanefo JohnMichaels I.
Head Information and Public Relations Unit, NCPWD
