In a monumental stride toward advancing disability rights, the Gombe State House of Assembly has successfully passed the Gombe State Disability Bill after its third and final reading. The bill, which seeks to promote inclusivity and ensure equal opportunities for persons with disabilities, now awaits the assent of Governor Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. If signed into law, Gombe State will join 18 other states in Nigeria that have already enacted similar legislation to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The passage of the bill is a significant milestone, reflecting the growing recognition of disability inclusion as a critical component of governance. It also demonstrates the commitment of Gombe State’s leadership toward fostering an environment where people with disabilities are given the same opportunities as others to thrive socially, economically, and politically.
A Collaborative Effort Toward Inclusion
The Disability Bill has been driven by a coalition of stakeholders, led by Hon. Shuaibu Adamu, the bill sponsor and representative of Kwami East in the Gombe State House of Assembly. His dedication, coupled with the support of Speaker Hon. Abubakar Muhammed Luggerewo and other members of the House, was instrumental in the bill’s successful passage.
Equally critical has been the unwavering support of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, whose administration has shown consistent commitment to disability inclusion. In 2019, the Governor met with representatives of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) to explore ways to enhance the welfare of PWDs. He reaffirmed this commitment in a 2023 press statement, promising to support policies that promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities across Gombe State.
“We commend the leadership of Governor Yahaya, Speaker Luggerewo, and Hon. Shuaibu Adamu for their tireless efforts in ensuring that individuals with disabilities in Gombe State are empowered and protected,” said Ishiyaku Adamu, the Gombe State Chairman of JONAPWD.
Key Provisions of the Gombe State Disability Bill
The Gombe State Disability Bill is set to bring transformative changes to the lives of PWDs by embedding their rights into the fabric of the state’s governance. Some of the bill’s most important provisions include:
- Establishment of the Gombe State Disability Commission: This commission will oversee the implementation of policies and ensure the protection of PWDs’ rights, acting as a watchdog and facilitator for disability-inclusive governance.
- Protection of Rights and Access: The bill mandates equal access to education, healthcare, and public infrastructure for persons with disabilities. It emphasizes the importance of eliminating barriers that hinder participation in essential services.
- Promotion of Social Justice and Inclusivity: The legislation aims to foster an inclusive society where persons with disabilities can contribute meaningfully to economic, social, and political development without discrimination.
These provisions align with Nigeria’s National Disability Act, ensuring that Gombe State remains in step with national efforts to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities.
Anticipation Builds as Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature
The disability community in Gombe State is eagerly awaiting Governor Yahaya’s assent to the bill, a move that will signal the beginning of a new chapter for PWDs in the state. For advocates like Ishiyaku Adamu and other members of JONAPWD, this moment is the culmination of years of advocacy and engagement with government institutions.
“This bill represents hope for thousands of persons with disabilities in Gombe State,” said Adamu. “It is not just about legal protections but about creating an environment where PWDs are treated with dignity, can access essential services, and participate fully in society.”
Governor Yahaya’s signature will make Gombe the 19th state in Nigeria to enact disability-specific legislation, underscoring the growing momentum toward nationwide disability inclusion. This development is particularly timely, as disability advocates across the country have been calling for the full domestication of the National Disability Act at the state level.
A Step Toward a More Inclusive Future
Once enacted, the Gombe State Disability Bill will help break down systemic barriers that have historically excluded persons with disabilities from accessing education, employment, and public services. The establishment of the Disability Commission will also provide a framework for monitoring compliance and driving accountability within public and private institutions.
“This legislation goes beyond policy; it sends a powerful message that everyone, regardless of ability, deserves a place in the development of Gombe State,” said Hon. Shuaibu Adamu. “It is about justice, fairness, and creating a state where no one is left behind.”
The bill’s passage and its anticipated signing into law mark a turning point for Gombe State, signaling the government’s readiness to embrace diversity and foster an inclusive society. Disability advocates are optimistic that this legislation will inspire other states to adopt similar measures and strengthen Nigeria’s overall commitment to disability rights.
Conclusion: A Victory for the Disability Community
The Gombe State Disability Bill’s journey through the House of Assembly is a testament to the power of advocacy, collaboration, and leadership. It reflects the determination of the government and disability advocates to work together to create a society where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity and participate fully in community life.
As the disability community and their allies await Governor Yahaya’s final assent, the atmosphere is one of optimism and hope. The enactment of this bill will not only protect the rights of PWDs but also lay the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable future for all residents of Gombe State.
“This is a momentous achievement for our community,” said Adamu. “We look forward to the Governor’s assent, which will mark the beginning of a new era for persons with disabilities in Gombe State. With this bill, we are one step closer to realizing our dream of a society where inclusion is not just an ideal but a reality.”
All eyes are now on Governor Yahaya, whose signature will transform this bill from legislation into law—ushering in a new chapter of empowerment, protection, and opportunity for persons with disabilities in Gombe State.
