TheCable

The federal government has commended the World Bank for providing technical and financial assistance to persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.

James Lalu, executive secretary of the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD), expressed the commendation on Wednesday in Abuja during an online meeting with officials of the bank.

NAN reports that the meeting was convened to strengthen the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 10 and 17.

Lalu said stakeholders need to redesign policies and programmes in line with global best practices.

“We need policies redesign in the area of social protection programmes because World Bank has the capacity to stimulate disability inclusion and development programme,” he said.

Cindy Ikeaka, a World Bank social development specialist, said the bank will continue to provide technical support to NCPWD.

She said the bank is working with other ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to ensure disability data collection.

“This will ensure proper data management of persons with disabilities,” she said.

Ester Bature, country coordinator of Sightsavers in Nigeria, said her organisation will continue to strengthen sustainable national policies.

“We are happy to see that the World Bank has supported the commission and developed several development documents,” she said.