Former lawmaker who represented Kaduna Central, Sen. Shehu Sani, has explained why President Bola Tinubu should give 25% fuel subsidy palliative to persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Sani gave the explanation during a visit to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in Abuja on Friday.
Sani, who led leaders of PWDs from Kaduna State, said the 25% consideration was necessary in view of the impact of economic challenges on them.
He said PWDs in Nigeria, who were over 35 million, were not only grappling with disabilities but also poverty, adding that “they face double tragedy”.
Sani expressed the hope that the palliative would be judiciously distributed when it would be released to the commission on their behalf.
He commended the commission’s hard work in ensuring that the mandate of the commission was followed through despite funding challenges.
Sani said he was passionate about ensuring that persons with disabilities were given the opportunity to contribute to national development.
The Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Mr James Lalu, also called on well-meaning Nigerians to support the commission to enable it to carry out its responsibilities.
Lalu said the call become expedient going by the plight of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
He commended the Federal Government for providing job opportunities for some persons with disabilities, adding that over 200 people with disabilities have been offered jobs in the public service and they have started work.
Lalu also commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for his support and President Bola Tinubu, who has started carrying PWD along.
Lalu further commended Sen. Shehu Sani for his contribution towards the passage of the bill that established the commission.