Reps committee seeks exemption of persons with Disabilities from paying tax

The House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters has asked federal government to consider exempting Persons With Disabilities from the payment of tax.

Chairman of the Committee, Bashiru Dawodu who made the call at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Persons with Disability and an NGO in Abuja said such class of Nigerians should not be allowed to pay tax.

Dawodu also called for tax relief for companies employing persons with disabilities or manufacturing facilities used by them.

He said even while his committee was in full support of the tax reform bills, they were conscious of the loop holes in the bills and will be presenting their position at the public hearing, adding that his committee will be moving for tax credit and waivers for companies manufacturing equipment used by PWDs.

According to him, teachers involved on special education should be encouraged through scholarship, while a disability trust fund should be put in place to take care of the interest of PWDs.

Dawodu said the 2018 Disability Act which has a five year maritorium is not being diligently implemented by agencies of government and the private sector, adding that the House was working on amending the law to impose more stringent penalties.

He disclosed that some of the provisions of the act include creating easy access to public buildings, creating easy access into bus and rail terminal as well was easy access to education and health facilities.

He said further that the law also provides that during employment, at least five percent of employment should be reserved for Persons With Disabilities.

He said even after the creation of the Disability Commission, the Disability Act was yet to be domesticated inn several states across the country with only 22 states so far domesticating the Act.

He said states who are yet to domesticate the law should do so in the interest of persons with disabilities living in those states, while also lamenting the poor budgetary allocation to the Disability Commission.

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, saying the nation has fallen short of expectations.

While saying the disability act is currently being amended to ensure stiffer sanctions, Dawodu said the current act does not provide for women and children with disabilities, adding that the House has passed several motions to ensure enforcement of the Act.

He said the Committee was inviting agencies of government to come and show evidence of implementation not the disability act, adding that the Electoral Act should also be amended to ensure easy access to voting and political participation by Persons With Disabilities.

One of the amendment being sought, he said is a constitutional amendment to being the disability law in tandem with the constitution so as to make enforcement of the provisions stringent.

Dawodu emphasised the need for collaboration with NGOs and other organisations in advancing the course of PWDs, saying with over 35 million Nigerians living with disability, Nigeria will work better if the National Assembly works.

He reminded Nigerians that everyone is a potential PWD, saying, “when you are going on the road and you are involved in an accident, you are a potential PWD.

Director of the PWD’s Potential Unhinged Project, Valentine Ugochukwu Zion said the said the MoU covers nationwide medical access support initiative for persons with disabilities which aim to provide b support to PWDs in under served areas.

The MoU he said also cover talent discovery and development for PWDs within the area of creative area, a reality TV show to showcase the potentials and resilience of PWDs and an inclusive musical concert.