Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters, Bashiru Dawodu, has called for tax exemption for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
He was Speaking while signing a Memorandum of Understanding with
PWD’s Potential Unhinged Project.
Dawodu also called for tax relief for companies that employ persons with disabilities or manufacture facilities used by them.
He said although the committee on Disability is in full support of the proposed tax reform bills, it is conscious of the loopholes in the bills and will be presenting a position at the public hearing.
The Committee chairman further stressed that teachers involved in special education, should be encouraged through scholarship and proposed a disability trust fund, that will take care of the interest of PWDs.
He argued that the allocation of about N2 billion to the Disability Commission is suggestive of how the government wants to threat persons with disabilities.
Director of the PWD’s Potential Unhinged Project, Valentine Zion, said the MoU covers PWDs in under- served areas.
According to him, the MOU also covers talent discovery and development for PWDs within the area of creative art, a reality TV show to showcase the potentials and resilience of PWDs and an inclusive musical concert
There are however claims that the 2018 Disability Act which has a five year maritorium, is not being diligently implemented by agencies of government and the private sector.
Over 35 million Nigerians are currently living with disability.
