The Northern Nigeria Disability Forum (NNDF) has called on the federal and state governments to implement the five per cent affirmative action for persons with disabilities to improve their inclusion in governance.

The NNDF chairman, Yarima Suleiman-Ibrahim, made the call in an interview on Tuesday in Kano.

Mr Suleiman-Ibrahim said PWDs needed to be given a sense of belonging as they have contributed positively to security, peace and socio-economic development.

He added, “In Nigeria, we have 33 million registered members of PWDs. PWDs have talents. They must be provided with an enabling environment to realise their full potential.”

He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure equal appointments for PWDs in his cabinet as ministers, heads of agencies, and special advisers to foster inclusivity and strengthen democracy.

“We have many of our members that are educated, if the five per cent affirmative action is implemented, it would go a long way in alleviating the plight of PWDs,” Mr Suleiman-Ibrahim.

The chairman appealed to Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf to establish a commission to oversee the affairs of PWDs in the state and not to be merged with the Ministry of Women Affairs.

He called on PWDs to stand up for their rights, avoid street begging, be law-abiding citizens and report any form of discrimination to the forum for necessary legal action.

(NAN)