NBA Advocates for Equal Rights, Calls on States to Act
The Lawyers with Disabilities Forum of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on state governments across Nigeria to domesticate the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which was signed into law by the Federal Government in 2019.
At a zonal summit held in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, the forum of lawyers with disabilities gathered to amplify their demand for full inclusivity in governance, public policies, and implementation frameworks across the country. The call to action is coming in response to the widespread failure of many state governments to domesticate and implement the law, leaving millions of Nigerians with disabilities vulnerable to discrimination, exclusion, and systemic barriers.
Five Years After: Disability Law Still Stalled in Most States
Despite being signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, the disability law remains largely unimplemented at the state level. While the legislation provides comprehensive protections for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and mandates equal opportunities in employment, education, transportation, and accessibility, many state governments have yet to take action to adopt and enforce it within their jurisdictions.
Even in states where some progress has been made, bureaucratic bottlenecks have hindered the full operationalization of the law. A case in point is Borno State, where the 9th State Assembly successfully passed the disability law, but it has yet to be signed into law by the executive arm of government. This has left the disability community in the state in legal limbo, unable to benefit from the much-needed protections the law offers.
NBA Takes the Lead in Disability Rights Advocacy
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Nigerian Bar Association has taken the lead in advocating for state-wide adoption of the disability law. The association, through its Lawyers with Disabilities Forum, is engaging with stakeholders, policymakers, and civil society organizations to ensure that no state is left behind in the fight for disability rights.
At the Maiduguri summit, speakers emphasized that failure to implement the disability law at the state level is not just a governance oversight but a clear violation of the fundamental human rights of PWDs. They argued that domestication of the law is not just a legal obligation but a moral and social responsibility that state governments must uphold.
Borno Government Promises Action
In response to the concerns raised, the Borno State Commissioner for Justice, who was represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Garba Chibok, assured the forum that plans are underway to send an Executive Bill to the State Assembly.
This move, if followed through, could mark a major breakthrough for disability rights in the state. The disability community and legal experts, however, remain cautious, calling for swift action rather than promises. They insist that the government must prioritize the speedy passage and implementation of the law, ensuring that disability inclusion becomes a reality in Borno and other states.
Why State Domestication of the Law is Crucial
Advocates argue that state domestication of the Disability Act is critical for several reasons:
- Legal Protection: Without state-level implementation, many PWDs continue to face discrimination in employment, education, and public services.
- Accessibility: The law mandates accessible public buildings, transportation, and infrastructure, yet most states have failed to enforce these provisions.
- Economic Empowerment: Full implementation of the law will create employment opportunities for PWDs and protect them from workplace discrimination.
- Social Inclusion: The legislation promotes equal participation in governance, ensuring that PWDs have a voice in decision-making processes.
The Road Ahead: From Advocacy to Action
As the push for domestication gains momentum, civil society groups, disability rights advocates, and legal practitioners are calling on state governments to act swiftly. They argue that continued delay in implementing the disability law amounts to systemic marginalization of a critical segment of the population.
The NBA’s Lawyers with Disabilities Forum has vowed to intensify advocacy, engage with state assemblies, and explore legal actions where necessary to ensure that the law is fully implemented across Nigeria.
For millions of Nigerians with disabilities, the fight for equal rights is far from over. The question remains: Will state governments finally rise to the occasion and fulfill their obligation to protect and empower persons with disabilities? Time will tell, but for now, the pressure is mounting, and the call for action is louder than ever.
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