[By Abigail Philip David]
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC) has pledged to ensure the rights and inclusivity of all Nigerians, particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Speaking at a policy roundtable on financial inclusion for PWDs, organized by the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) in Abuja, the FCCPC’s Deputy Director of Consumer and Business Education, Nwafor Anthony, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to fostering inclusivity. He commended CADEF for its work in advocating for the rights of all Nigerians and expressed the FCCPC’s support for the foundation’s mission.
“The council is actively engaging in campaigns to raise awareness of the need for inclusivity and to create an accessible environment where individuals with special needs can access services without discrimination. We remain committed to protecting the rights of all Nigerians,” Nwafor said.
CADEF Executive Director, Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, highlighted the urgent need to address the barriers PWDs face in accessing digital financial services. She noted that the roundtable aimed to bring stakeholders together to develop solutions to these challenges, which persist both online and offline.
Ndukwe-Okafor identified inadequate infrastructure and a lack of comprehensive policies as key factors limiting access for PWDs. She added, “The recommendations from this meeting will provide a roadmap to guide future efforts, ensuring that all individuals with disabilities can access essential services seamlessly and under optimal conditions.”