In a show of appreciation and gratitude, the Coalition of Persons Living with Disabilities in Nigeria (CPLWDN) has applauded the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) for its unwavering commitment to complying with the Disability Prohibition Act, which they described as a step towards inclusivity with positive impact on their community.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja yesterday, National Coordinator of CPLWDN, and Mallam Mohammed Musa Zaria, and National Secretary, Comrade David Olarewaju, took the opportunity to also extend their congratulations to Mr. Bello Hassan, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NDIC over his election as the Vice Chairperson of the International Association of Deposit Insurers, African Regional Committee (IADI-ARC), a recognition that has filled the disability community with immense pride.

The coalition, comprising more than 45 groups from across the country, united to express their gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for acknowledging Mr. Hassan’s exceptional performance and retaining him in his pivotal role at NDIC.

According to the them, “under Mr. Hassan’s leadership, the NDIC has been instrumental in restoring Nigerians’ confidence in the banking sector, fostering investor trust, and witnessing a surge in daily banking transactions”.

On inclusiveness,
CPLWDN had this to say, “one remarkable aspect that sets NDIC apart is its steadfast commitment to inclusiveness, aligning perfectly with the government’s renewed hope agenda. We believes that Mr. Hassan’s continued success will play a crucial role in reshaping the perception and attitudes of Nigerians towards persons living with disabilities”.

The coalition called upon the National Commission of Persons Living with Disabilities, led by its Executive Secretary, Mr. James Lalu, to promptly present a certificate of compliance to Alhaji Hassan on behalf of NDIC due to its adherence to the 2018 Disability Prohibition Act.

“We have strong evidence indicating that NDIC, under Mr. Hassan’s stewardship, has diligently adhered to the 2018 Disability Prohibition Act by ensuring that the stipulated percentage of jobs is allocated to the disability community in all recruitment processes. This is the first of its kind in Nigeria and must be celebrated as a mark of appreciation and gratitude”, they noted.

Highlighting the corporation’s pivotal role in contributing to the financial system’s stability, the CPLWDN acknowledged NDIC’s diligence and commitment to repositioning insurance practices in Nigeria.

The statement read in part, “it is fascinating to know that under Mr. Hassan’s leadership, NDIC has conducted a review of the maximum deposit insurance coverage, aligning with international standards set by the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI). This achievement has garnered recognition from international agencies, including the MacArthur Foundations”.

In their closing remarks, the CPLWDN emphasized their celebration of inclusiveness and the desire to actively participate in policy formulation and governance. They called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to “further support their cause with effective enforcement mechanisms to drive the laws that promote disability inclusion”.

They similarly urged media houses and channels to “amplify their voices and encourage all government agencies and the private sector to ensure compliance with the Disability Act, ensuring equal opportunities for their members in all spheres of life”.