The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has said that only 4,000 out of 35.1 million persons living with disabilities registered with the commission.

James Lalu, executive secretary of the commission, stated this on Monday in Kano during the issuance of permanent certificates to PLWDs in the North-West region.

Represented by Ikem Uchegbulam, director of compliance and enforcement of the commission, Mr Lalu said the programme was to sensitise PLWDs on the benefits of certification.

He said the exercise was in line with Section 28 of the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities Act.

According to him, PLWDs can obtain a permanent certificate from the commission, while temporary certifications for those unable to use a body part are being issued by medical doctors.

“In addition to acting as a means of identification, the act has made the certificate a legal requirement for obtaining remedy from the law court, hence the need for possession of the certificate,” he said.

He urged all Nigerians living with a disability to obtain the certificate to fully access its benefits.

Mr Lalu said only PLWDs with valid certificates could receive and seek treatments as stated in the Disability Act.

The secretary urged the public to seek the right advice from the commission with respect to the construction of accessible structures for PLWDs.

Musa Muhammad, chairman of the Joint National Association of People With Disabilities in Kano State, who spoke on behalf of the members, lauded the commission for exercising as well as promoting disability inclusion.

He urged public and private institutions to ensure that infrastructure-friendly facilities were made available to aid their movements.

The chairman also enjoined their members to register and collect the certificate, adding that only PLWDs with valid certificates could receive and seek treatments as stated in the Disability Act.

(NAN)