According to the federal government, all television stations across the country will be required to use sign language interpreters.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, said this yesterday during the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria’s (FRCN) 2021 annual lecture, which was co-hosted by the Albino Foundation and the European Union.
According to NAN, Lai was responding to a complaint filed by Monsurat Abdulwasiu, a former leader of the association of the deaf’s women’s branch.
Abdulwasiu, speaking via an interpreter, said that people with disabilities have been excluded since they only look at images during news hours and don’t understand what they’re about.
“Only the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, has a sign language interpreter during one of its news hours,” Abdulwasiu explained.
“There are no sign language interpreters on the other media channels.” “There is no sign language in Nigerian hospitals, even in the healthcare field,” she remarked.
“So, what happens to deaf people when they are reading news, and when they are sick and go to the hospital.
“Does it means that we are not entitled to information and healthcare? The government needs to look into this.”
In response to Abdulwasiu, the minister stated that during significant broadcasts, all television stations will use sign language interpreters.
“I was deeply moved by the young lady’s contribution, which stated that sign interpreters are needed for network news and other important news programs,” he said.
“I’m going to ask the NBC to direct all of our television stations to make sure that sign interpreters are present throughout prime-time newscasts.”
“This will not apply to only the Nigerian Television Authority.
“Whether public or private television stations, they must comply with the directive.
“This directive will work both ways. It means the complaint of exclusion will be tackled and the persons with disability of hearing will also be included in programs and policies of the government.”
Ada Peter