Establish Commission for People with Disabilities – KCSF Urges Kano Govt
The Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF) has called on the Kano State Government to expedite the establishment of a dedicated Disability Commission to promote inclusivity, protect the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs), and enhance their well-being.
This appeal was made during a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Kano.
Speaking at the event, KCSF President Mohammed Bello highlighted the urgent need for a functional Disability Commission, emphasizing that such a body is crucial for addressing the challenges faced by PWDs, including limited access to healthcare, education, and employment.
“Despite some commendable strides by the Kano State Government, including providing free healthcare for over 5,000 PWDs and advancing inclusive education, more needs to be done to bridge the gap in services and rights for this marginalized group,” Bello stated.
Furthermore, KCSF pointed to the 2019 Nigerian Disability Act, which mandates states to establish Disability Commissions. The organization also cited data estimating that Kano State is home to tens of thousands of PWDs, with over 43,418 children with special needs reported in 2022.
“This commission will not only meet legislative obligations but also serve as a model for other states to follow,” Bello said, noting that states like Gombe, Plateau, and Yobe have already established similar commissions.
He added that such efforts align with international frameworks like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which Nigeria has ratified.
Moreover, the forum underscored the economic benefits of inclusion, citing International Labour Organization (ILO) data which emphasized that excluding PWDs from the workforce can reduce a country’s GDP by up to 7%.
“Establishing a Disability Commission will unlock the potential of PWDs, fostering economic growth and enhancing social cohesion,” Bello remarked. “It will also combat stigma, promote empowerment programs, and improve the quality of life for PWDs.”
Therefore, KCSF urged the Kano State Government to prioritize the commission’s establishment and allocate adequate funding, engage PWDs and their organizations in the planning and implementation of policies, and also ensure robust advocacy and oversight mechanisms to address the needs of PWDs effectively.
The forum also called on the Kano State House of Assembly, traditional rulers, religious leaders, non-governmental organizations, and private sector stakeholders to support the initiative.
“Delay in establishing this commission perpetuates exclusion and misses significant opportunities for economic and social progress,” Bello stated.
