Persons with disabilities have bemoaned their continued exclusion from government programmes, policies and activities, calling for urgent implementation of the National Disability Act.

The group made the call during a National Disability Dialogue organised in Lagos by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) to brief relevant stakeholders on the successes, commitments, achievements, assessments and implementations of the National Disability Act.

It had in attendance commissioners from across the states and a representative from the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Also, the executive and governing board of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the general manager of Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities from the six geopolitical zones, funding partners and other CSOs were in attendance.

Speaking at the event, CCD executive director David Anyaele said the inclusion of persons with disabilities in governments programmes, policies and activities was essential to their personal and social development.

“If we must say Nigeria is inclusive it must begin with the federal government of Nigeria. It must start from the state government, it must start from the private sector by removing all forms of barriers that hinder people with disabilities from participating in the society,” Mr Anyaele explained.

He added, “What we have done or what we are doing today is to present to Nigerians the extent of the implementation of the National Disability Act. We are sharing today a report that focuses on Nigeria, Our Disability, Assessment of Compliance and Implementation of the National Disability Law.’’

Mr Anyaele also mentioned that certain barriers should be removed for the inclusion and acceptance of people with disabilities in the society to improve their standard of living, alleviate poverty and provide equal opportunities.

(NAN)