Kano, Nigeria – The Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF) is urging the Kano State Government to establish a dedicated Disability Commission to protect the rights and improve the lives of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the state. The call, made by KCSF President Mohammed Bello, highlights the urgent need to address the significant barriers faced by the more than 43,000 children with special needs in Kano, a figure reported in 2022.
Bello stressed that individuals with disabilities in the state are confronted by a range of challenges that hinder their ability to fully participate in society. These challenges include limited access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, as well as pervasive discrimination that continues to marginalize them. “The situation is dire,” Bello remarked. “Persons with disabilities are not only deprived of basic human rights, but they are also excluded from economic and social participation, leaving them vulnerable and isolated.”
The proposed Disability Commission, according to Bello, would play a critical role in addressing these issues. It would serve as an essential oversight body, ensuring that policies aimed at supporting PWDs are effectively implemented. More importantly, the commission would advocate for increased inclusivity and work to dismantle the barriers that prevent PWDs from accessing vital services and opportunities.
“The establishment of the Disability Commission is not just a moral imperative, but also a strategic move in line with the government’s social welfare agenda,” Bello emphasized. He pointed out that the commission would align with global goals such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities). “By focusing on the needs of PWDs, we can build a more inclusive society that ensures equal opportunities for all, regardless of ability.”
One of the key economic arguments put forward by Bello was the potential financial benefits of including PWDs in the workforce. Drawing on research from the International Labour Organization (ILO), he noted that excluding PWDs from employment could result in a significant loss to the nation’s GDP—up to 7%. “Persons with disabilities are not a burden on society,” Bello stated. “On the contrary, empowering them through education, training, and employment would contribute positively to the economy and promote social cohesion.”
The KCSF President also called on various stakeholders, including the Kano State House of Assembly, traditional and religious leaders, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector, to support the establishment of the Disability Commission. “This is not just a government responsibility,” he argued. “It is a collective effort that requires the involvement of all sectors of society. Only by working together can we create a society that truly includes and values persons with disabilities.”
The KCSF’s call for the creation of a Disability Commission is part of a broader movement aimed at advancing the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. While various advocacy groups have long demanded stronger protections and better services for PWDs, the establishment of a dedicated commission in Kano would mark a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to ensure equality and inclusion.
As the Kano State Government considers this request, it is clear that the establishment of a Disability Commission could have a profound impact on both the lives of individuals with disabilities and the broader community. By ensuring better access to services, reducing discrimination, and promoting inclusivity, the commission would play a pivotal role in building a more just and equitable Kano for all.
As the debate continues, the voices of advocacy groups like KCSF are sure to keep pushing for the changes that will uplift thousands of Kano residents living with disabilities, offering them the support they need to thrive in society.
