Kano – January 3, 2025 – The Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF) has made a passionate call for the Kano State Government to expedite the establishment of a State Disability Commission to address the challenges faced by people with disabilities (PWDs). The move is seen as an essential step in ensuring the rights, inclusion, and well-being of individuals with disabilities across the state.
During a recent press briefing in Kano, the President of KCSF, Mohammed Bello, emphasized the urgent need for action in the creation of the Commission. He argued that such an institution would be pivotal in safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities, promoting their inclusion, and tackling the myriad challenges they continue to face. Bello noted that despite the lack of precise data on the number of PWDs in Kano, a 2022 report from the Nigeria Association of Persons with Disabilities (Kano Chapter) revealed that at least 43,418 children with special needs live in the state.
“People with disabilities in Kano face significant challenges in virtually all aspects of life, from limited access to healthcare and education to widespread discrimination and neglect,” Bello remarked. “A dedicated Commission would provide the much-needed platform for advocating for the rights and well-being of these individuals.”
The KCSF President stressed that the establishment of the Kano State Disability Commission is paramount, not only for the welfare of PWDs but also for the social and economic progress of the state. He explained that the Commission would serve as a vital oversight mechanism for the implementation of disability-related policies and advocacy, ensuring that the voices of people with disabilities are heard and their needs are met.
“By having a dedicated body to oversee disability affairs, the Kano State Government can better fulfill its social welfare obligations, ensuring inclusivity is at the heart of its policies,” Bello said. He also pointed out that the creation of the Disability Commission would align with the government’s broader agenda for social welfare, contributing to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
The KCSF President further highlighted the economic implications of excluding persons with disabilities from the workforce, noting that this segment of the population represents a largely untapped human resource. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), excluding individuals with disabilities from employment can reduce a country’s GDP by as much as 7%. “By establishing a Disability Commission, the Kano State Government can unlock the immense potential of PWDs, significantly contributing to the state’s economic growth while fostering a more inclusive and cohesive society,” Bello argued.
In a call for broad-based support, the KCSF President urged various stakeholders, including the Kano State House of Assembly, traditional rulers, religious leaders, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector, to lend their support to the initiative. He stressed that the establishment of the Disability Commission is not just a government responsibility but a collective effort that requires the involvement of all segments of society.
“The time to act is now,” Bello concluded. “By creating the Kano State Disability Commission, the state can lead by example in championing the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities, thereby fostering a more just, inclusive, and prosperous society for all.”
The call for the establishment of the Kano State Disability Commission comes at a time when many activists and advocacy groups are pushing for better representation and support for PWDs across the country. As other states make strides toward inclusivity, Kano’s commitment to this cause could set a precedent for other regions to follow, ensuring that individuals with disabilities are given equal opportunities to thrive.
