The federal government has ordered TV stations across the country to hire the use of sign language interpreters during news presentation.
The minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed, gave the directive during a virtual conference with officials of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) in Abuja, on Monday.
He said using sign language interpreters is in line with the national broadcasting code. Mohammed said the directive will be effectively communicated to all public and private TV stations on Tuesday.
David Anyaele, executive director of CCD, had earlier lamented about unfairness against special persons during news presentation.
He said the request for the use of sign language interpreters is being made on behalf of the 31 million Nigerians living with disabilities.
He ensured that his ministry will cooperate with CCD in the implementation of the relevant sections of the “discrimination against persons with disabilities (prohibition) act” assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018.
Mohammed said he is glad that some states have taught the law, particularly Lagos and Ekiti states.
He urged the body to be proactive in ensuring the implementation of the provision of the act which stipulates that all public organisations must reserve at least five percent of employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.