The procurement of ₦20 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been officially announced by the Federal Government. Their goal with this investment is to enhance the Manufacturing of specialized tools and equipment that cater to the unique requirements of people with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria. During an interview on June 2, 2024, in Abuja, Dr. James Lalu, who holds the role of Executive Secretary at the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), shared news of the latest progress.
Lalu emphasized the importance of bringing in Investors to lead the production of assistive Technology within the country, pointing out the rising expenses linked to imported devices as a major issue that needs to be addressed. He spoke of a recent achievement in securing a foreign direct investment totalling ₦20 billion. The organization is dedicated to starting the local production of assistive devices, having already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to move forward with this initiative.
NCPWD is focused on promoting the production of assistive devices.
More so, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is committed to ensuring that Nigeria has the chance to produce its own assistive devices, moving towards greater accessibility and independence. The reason for this is that nearly all of their assistive devices are brought in from outside sources, resulting in increased prices that are becoming unaffordable for those with lower incomes. He expressed doubt that the funds allocated in the budget would be sufficient to distribute assistive devices to disabled individuals in every state of the country, he stated.
Furthermore, Lalu emphasized the importance of promoting local production by focusing on the economic benefits, such as job creation and increased accessibility throughout the country. He pointed out that by producing assistive devices locally, it would motivate state and local governments, as well as other government agencies, to purchase and provide them to individuals with disabilities. The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is currently focused on promoting the production of assistive devices within local communities to better serve individuals with disabilities.
Exec Sec praised the innovative assistive tech work done by local creators.
These items are essential tools for individuals with disabilities, they include hearing aids, wheelchairs and specialized devices for those who are visually or hearing impaired, as well as individuals with albinism, he stated. Lalu praised the innovative assistive technology work being done by local creators, highlighting a specific case from Kano where a forward-thinking individual invented a revolutionary digital eyeglass to assist those with visual impairments. The NCPWD is excited about working with local talent and innovative ideas.
They plan to partner with important stakeholders such as the Bank of Industry and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to bring creative solutions to life in Nigeria. Lalu stressed the promising future of Nigeria as a centre for creativity and possibilities, stating the commission’s dedication to using these assets to push the disability group forward in the world of technology. There is a wide range of estimates on the number of individuals with disabilities in Nigeria, varying from less than 3 million to more than 25 million. Legislation in Nigeria specifically outlaws discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
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In its 2011 publication, the World report on disability revealed that approximately 25 million individuals in Nigeria experienced some form of disability. Of this total, around 3.6 million people faced severe challenges in performing everyday activities. In the year 2020, it has been estimated that there are more than 27 million individuals in Nigeria who are experiencing various types of disabilities. Nigeria experiences a range of disabilities including visual, physical, hearing, communication and intellectual impairments, which are among the most prevalent in the country.