IGP approves desk for disability in police commands

In commemoration of the 2021 International Day for Persons with Disability, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has approved the establishment of a special desk for persons with disabilities in all the police zonal and state commands nationwide.

He said the decision to set up the desk was informed by the need to ensure the NPF remains at the forefront of contemporary policing practice which also advocates mainstreaming and inclusiveness of PWDs.

Baba observed that the decision follows exhaustive deliberations with the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons With Disability, Mr James Lalu, who led a delegation to the Force Headquarters on an advocacy visit.

This was contained in a statement on Friday by the Force spokesman, Frank Mba, titled, ‘2021 international day for persons with disability: IGP approves the establishment of a special desk for persons with disabilities in police commands nationwide.’

The NPF special desk for PWDs, which will be domiciled at the police public relations offices in commands nationwide, would serve as advocacy desk to enable the PWDs access policing services, promote the dignity of their person, prevent stigmatization and stereotyping of PWDs, and give full effect to the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act, 2018.

The statement read, “The IGP equally approved a training programme for police personnel who are to serve as the Disability Desk Officers under the coordination of the Force Public Relations Department. The training is being organized in partnership with the National Commission for Persons with Disability.

“The Executive Secretary of NCPWD, who appreciated the IGP for the establishment of the Special Desk, expressed his belief that the initiative would go a long way in alleviating the numerous challenges faced by the PWD in the country.”