Gombe, Nigeria – April 2025
In a remarkable display of commitment to inclusive governance and fiscal transparency, the Gombe State Fiscal Responsibility Commission paid a courtesy visit to the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities (GSCPWD), opening new channels of collaboration aimed at ensuring no citizen is left behind in the state’s fiscal policies and resource management.
The high-level meeting, held at the GSCPWD headquarters, was marked by warm camaraderie and thoughtful deliberation on strategies for integrating disability inclusion into fiscal planning, budgeting, and service delivery processes.
The visit comes at a time when the demand for inclusive, equitable, and participatory governance is gaining momentum across Nigeria. By reaching out to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the Fiscal Responsibility Commission is demonstrating that financial discipline and inclusive development can and must go hand in hand.
Welcoming the delegation, the Chairman of GSCPWD expressed deep gratitude for the visit, describing it as a milestone in the journey toward a more inclusive Gombe State. “Today’s visit is not just symbolic; it signals a true alignment of vision and purpose between our two Commissions. We are both dedicated to fairness, accountability, and ensuring that every voice – including that of persons with disabilities – is heard and considered in the governance process,” he said.
The discussions explored concrete areas of synergy including inclusive budget monitoring, disability-sensitive fiscal reporting, and strengthening data systems to ensure better representation of persons with disabilities in financial planning and service provision.
Both Commissions used the opportunity to jointly applaud the unwavering commitment of His Excellency, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (CON), Dan Majen Gombe, the Executive Governor of Gombe State. Governor Yahaya’s administration has been widely recognized for taking bold steps to institutionalize inclusion and transparency in governance, notably through the establishment of the GSCPWD and his dedication to upholding fiscal discipline.
The Fiscal Responsibility Commission’s leadership highlighted the importance of inclusion in achieving effective public financial management, reiterating that public funds must serve all citizens equitably, including those with disabilities. “Inclusion strengthens governance, and responsible fiscal management thrives when everyone is accounted for,” a representative noted.
This collaborative engagement is expected to yield tangible outcomes in the coming months, including joint monitoring initiatives, capacity-building workshops, and advocacy efforts to promote inclusive budgeting at both the state and local government levels.
As the world moves toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), partnerships such as this are critical to ensuring that inclusion is not just a principle but a practice embedded in every layer of governance.
Gombe State continues to set an example for others to follow — proving that inclusive development is not only possible, but essential for sustainable growth, social justice, and a future where no one is left behind.
Together, Gombe is building a future of inclusive accountability – and this is only the beginning.
