By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja

The House of Representatives on Tuesday, vowed that it would do everything within its powers, to ensure total enforcement of the disability Act in the country.

Chairman of the House Committee on Disability, Hon. Bashiru Dawodu, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja, warned that the five years’ grace period given under the law had expired and the law came into full force in January 2024.

The Chairman frowned at the impunity with which certain institutions and persons, including government agencies, abused and frustrated the Act.

In his speech titled, “PWDs: Adebola & KFC Outlet Misdeeds, A Wake up Call To Intensify Efforts For Implementation of Disability Act,” the House vowed to use this agency as a scapegoat so that others would learn to comply with this law.

KFC Outlet was reported to have denied the right to access its facilities by Adeola Daniels, who is a serving Senator and son of former Ogun state Governor, Gbenga Daniels, but the House vowed not to take it lightly with the Outlet.

“Recently, there have been distressing reports regarding the denial of access to Mr. Adebola Daniel at a KFC outlet in the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. This discriminatory incident, highlighted by Mr. Daniel’s public account, sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in Nigeria.

“Mr. Daniel, a wheelchair user, faced humiliation when he was refused entry to the KFC outlet, with the manager stating, “NO WHEELCHAIRS ALLOWED.” This treatment is unacceptable and goes against the principles of inclusivity and respect. And it is a violation against the Disability Act.

“Mr Adebola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor and serving senator, Gbenga Daniel, recounted his experience at the KFC outlet of the airport in a series of tweets posted on Wednesday via his X handle, @DebolaDaniel, where he lamented his humiliating moment and emphasized the broader consequences of such discriminatory actions.

“Being disabled often rolls over my spirit, leaving behind a trail of shattered dignity and forgotten humanity. Nowhere more so than in Nigeria,” Debola wrote, drawing attention to the systemic challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in the country.

“As the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters, I strongly condemn such actions. Denying individuals with disabilities access to public spaces is not only disrespectful but also undermines ongoing efforts to implement the Disability Act. And the committee is duty bound to investigate this issue and other related matters.

“The case of Mr Adebola Daniel is one in millions of other unreported cases of such abuses and injustices against people with disabilities. This will no longer be tolerated by the governments at all levels. Any establishments within the shore of our country irrespective of owners’ status should take note. Enough is enough

“The Discrimination against People with Disabilities Prohibition Act 2018, passed by the National Assembly, aims to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities. However, compliance with this Act has been lacking since the grace period ended in January.

“I commend the Speaker of the House of Representatives for establishing the committee on disability matters and the proactive responses from the Federal and Lagos State governments in protecting the rights of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). It is imperative that all stakeholders, including businesses, adhere to the provisions of the Disability Act.

“Our committee is committed to engaging with communities to kick start the full implementation of the Disability Act. Key provisions such as access to public buildings, employment quotas, and welfare promotion for persons with disabilities must be enforced to ensure their rights are upheld.

“State governments are urged to domesticate the Disability Act, following the lead of Lagos State. The Ministry of Information plays a crucial role in raising awareness about persons with disabilities to foster their inclusion in public discourse.

“I must also hail the timely responses and actions from the Asiwaju-led Federal government and Lagos State government as well as other stakeholders towards protecting the rights of PWDs.

“The Committee will continue to closely monitor government agencies’ adherence to the law, particularly in areas such as recruitment, housing, transportation, and healthcare.

“The National Assembly has the authority to oversee the enforcement of laws, including the Disabilities Act. Our committee will monitor government agencies’ compliance with the Act in various sectors like recruitment, housing, transportation, and healthcare”, the Chairman stated.

He said his committee was focusing on enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities and preventing incidents like Mr. Daniel’s through robust implementation of the Disability Act.