The federal government has ordered the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to ensure that television stations deploy sign language interpreters during news broadcasts
Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, gave the directive on Monday when he received executives of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities.
“I can assure you that a directive will go out to television stations pointing their attention to the relevant provisions of the Broadcasting Code”, Mohammed said.
Mohammed, who added that the order will take effect in a few weeks, said the ministry will collaborate with the Centre to implement Section Two of the Discrimination Against Persons With Disability (Prohibition) Act to promote the awareness of the rights and capabilities of persons with disabilities.
The Executive Director of the Centre, David Anyaele, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the Disability Act and the establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disability.
He urged ministries, departments and agencies of government to comply with the provisions of the Act on reservation of at least 5 percent of employment opportunities for persons living with disability, among other issues.