Kudos to the Lagos State legislature as it passes a Disability Bill, probably the first of its kind in Nigeria.
Lagos building owners or ‘landlords’ must make their facilities accessible to people living with disabilities within five years, or be subject to a 5000Naira fine payable to the person on daily basis.
The question is how is disability defined, and who qualifies under this bill? Unfortunately, media report fails to provide clarity.
Disability is a ‘catch-all’ term, if the bill “ensures equal opportunities for people living with disabilities”, then it must be clearly stated medically and administratively, who is covered.
The media report on the bill, available only through 234NEXT.com at the time of posting, does not offer much details, unfortunately. As I read through the report, it seems the focus is more on people with limited mobility.
The NEXT report also states the bill will provide “social security for people living with disabilities who are 60 years and above.” The paper adds, “the amount to be received on monthly basis has not been decided”.
Again another confusing use of terminology: “Social security” is more than cash hand-out if one goes by the American government definition when the Social Security Act was drafted in 1935.
As the Nigeria media presents information to the public, it must be conscious information is now a 24-hour commodity that must not be dished out without focus and clarity. And most importantly, the media serves a duo role – to inform and educate. oftentimes, only the former is accomplished.
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