Dollarization Of Economy Is Hitting Hard On The Blind – NAPVID

The Executive Director, Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID) Mr. Melody Omosah, has lamented that the impoverisation brought about by the crash of the naira was more devastating on persons living with disabilities (PWDs) than on other Nigerians.
Mr. Omosah who is also the convener, Edo Disability Forum (EDF) stated this at a press briefing on Edo disability forum engagement outcomes with government MDAs, Benin City, Edo state.
He said the engagement with NBA, government officials and political office holders had yielded meaningful progress. He stressed that they were optimistic that government would match their word with action to bring the needed change.
Omosah said, “On the 8th of February 2024, we convened to address the severe impact of fuel subsidy removal on PWDs in Nigeria, particularly here in Edo State. We highlighted the disproportionate burden this policy change has placed on our community, exacerbating financial strain, social exclusion, and health challenges.
“Between the 8th of February 2024, and today, the health of the Nation’s economy has declined from a state where it elicited the concern of well meaning Nigerians to a critical point where the government is anxious over its survival.
“As we know, the removal of fuel subsidy is not only responsible for this state of affairs. The dollarization of our economy brought about by the floating of the naira against the dollar has further impoverished Nigerians with PWDs being worst impacted by these policies. Measures taken thus far by the Federal Government to arrest the meltdown of the economy has not yet yielded the desired result.
“While staying optimistic that our economy will someday bounce back and that succor will come to Nigerians sooner than later, the Edo Disability Forum (EDF) has been engaging the highest echelon of Edo State Government, to recommend immediate and sustainable measures that should be put in place to ameliorate the plights of PWOs and guarantee their survival in the aftermath of the subsidy removal.
“I am pleased to report that the State Government and the MDAs we have interacted with have been very hospitable. Our engagements were met with open minds and hearts, and the representatives of these agencies have expressed their commitment to addressing the needs of PWDs in our state.
“They have welcomed our recommendations and have pledged to take the necessary actions to implement them, should be quick to add that all we really have at this stage are pledges and commitments,” he added
Omosah said the members had also visited the Managing Director of Edo State Transport Authority, where they advocated for free and accessible public transportation and called for the provision of disability-friendly transportation equipped with necessary facilities to enhance mobility.
The Managing Director of the agency promised to consider free or discounted transport fare for Persons with Disabilities when the free bus ride programme of the government comes to an end by the end of April. She also assured that subsequent procurement of Comrade Buses, will take into account accessibility especially for wheelchair users.
At the Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning and Development, members of EDF called for inclusive budgetary and funding for disability-centred programmes and projects of MDAs.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry assured the forum that its programmes were disability inclusive. The team also visited other ministries and agencies like the Ministry of Business Trade and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues and Edo Health Insurance Commission, where they presented a case for the work environment and general public programmes be made disability friendly.
At the meeting with the Secretary to Edo State Government, the team asked for the establishment of the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities to oversee the implementation of the Edo State Persons with Disabilities Law, among other demands.
Mrs. Omosah thanked Edo state government for engaging with them and for their commitment to improving the lives of persons with disabilities. He appealed to the media to help spread their plights to governments and the general public.
At the NUJ, the Assistant Secretary of the Union, Comrade Elvis Edo Omoregie, assured the PWDs that, the media would work with them to ensure that their demands are disseminated to the general public.