President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the bill prohibiting discrimination against persons with disability into law, according to a late night statement by his National Assembly Liaison Officer, Senator Ita Enang, on Wednesday.

The long title of the bill is “Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.”

According to the provisions of the new law, corporate offenders risk a fine of N1million and N100,000 for individuals.

There is also a penalty of six years jail term for the offence as an option.

Enang explained that a provision of a five-year transitional period was made in the law for public buildings and transportation facilities to make modifications to accommodate persons with disability.
Enang stated, “The Act further provides: Before erecting any public structure, its plan shall be scrutinised by the relevant authority to ensure that the plan conforms with the building code.

“A government or government agency, body or individual responsible for the approval of building plans shall not approve the plan of a public building if the plan does not make provision for accessibility facilities in line with the building code.

“An officer who approves or directs the approval of a building plan that contravenes the building code commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of at least N1, 000, 000 or a term of imprisonment of two years or both.

“Discrimination is prohibited in public transportation facilities and service providers are to make provision for the physically, visually and hearing impaired and all persons howsoever challenged.
“This applies to seaports, railways and airport facilities.

“The rights and privileges include education, healthcare, priority in accommodation and emergencies.
Furthermore, all public organisations are to reserve at least five per cent of employment opportunities for these persons.

“The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is also established in Section 31 with Executive Secretary as the Head.”

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