Makurdi, Nigeria – May 12, 2025
In a bold call to action, the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) has urged the Benue State Government to expedite the passage of a comprehensive and stand-alone Disability Bill that will truly reflect the lived realities of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the state. The charge came during a high-level One-Day Technical Review Session of the Benue State Disability Bill held on Monday in Makurdi.
Grace Jerry, Executive Director of IFA, who gave the keynote address, revealed a staggering statistic that has sent ripples across the development and human rights landscape in Nigeria — more than 40 million Nigerians live with one form of disability or another. She emphasized that this population represents a significant and often neglected demographic that deserves urgent legislative attention, protection, and empowerment.
“Persons with disabilities represent a huge demographic with over 40 million individuals across Nigeria. It is therefore imperative to have a stand-alone Disability Bill in Benue State, as obtainable in other states like Lagos, Plateau, Ekiti, and others,” Jerry stated.
The review session, which brought together stakeholders from civil society, government, and the disability community, was jointly organized by IFA, the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), and the Benue State House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development.
A Collective Push for Inclusive Legislation
The atmosphere at the session was one of determination, collaboration, and shared vision. Participants dissected every clause and section of the proposed Bill, ensuring that it aligns with both the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Jerry reiterated that the session was not merely symbolic but a concrete step towards institutionalizing inclusion in Benue.

“This session is critical to our collective commitment to inclusion, equity, and justice. Once passed and implemented, this Bill will serve as a beacon of hope and empowerment for thousands of citizens with disabilities in Benue State,” she said.
“It allows us to engage directly with lawmakers, civil society, and the disability community to refine the Bill, address local peculiarities, and ensure it genuinely serves its intended beneficiaries.”
Legislative Leaders Reaffirm Commitment
Lending strong legislative support to the effort, the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Ladi Ogenyi, reaffirmed the Assembly’s readiness to deliver on the Bill. Represented by Hon. Kennedy Angbo, the lawmaker representing Otukpo-Akpa Constituency, Ogenyi assured participants that the House is fully on board.
“The Bill has successfully passed through its first and second readings. We are committed to seeing it through to passage and ensuring it is assented to by the Executive. No stone will be left unturned to ensure the Bill is robust and comprehensive,” he pledged.
The Governor’s Role and Bureau Support
Dr. Leo-Angelo Viashima, Director General of BICD, commended the collaborative effort that brought the Bill this far. He especially lauded the proactive stance of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, for his personal involvement in pushing for the legislation.
“We appreciate all partners and disability groups who contributed meaningfully to this process. I also commend Governor Alia, who took the Bill personally and has been working closely with the House to ensure it reaches this critical stage. I can assure everyone that we will not allow any flaws in the final legislation,” Viashima said.
Hope on the Horizon for Benue’s Disability Community
For years, persons with disabilities in Benue have faced systemic neglect, architectural and institutional barriers, and limited access to education, healthcare, employment, and political participation. With this Bill nearing its final stages, advocates are hopeful that the new law will mark a turning point.
The proposed legislation aims to guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities to inclusive education, healthcare, accessible infrastructure, political participation, economic empowerment, and freedom from all forms of discrimination.
Beyond Promises: A Call for Swift Implementation
While the review session was filled with optimistic rhetoric and passionate speeches, Grace Jerry reminded everyone that the real work begins after the Bill is passed.
“A law on paper is not enough. We need political will, budgetary allocation, institutional capacity, and continuous engagement with the disability community to make this law work. The time to act is now,” she declared.
With the eyes of the disability community and human rights defenders fixed firmly on the Benue State House of Assembly and the Executive, one thing is clear — the passage and implementation of a strong, inclusive Disability Bill will not only protect rights but also affirm the dignity and humanity of thousands of Benue citizens who have long been on the margins.
Benue must rise to this historic moment.