By Lizzy Carr
Stakeholders comprising religious leaders, civil society organisations, media practitioners and persons with disabilities have reviewed the implementation of the Bauchi State Persons with Disabilities Protection and Disability Commission Law 2026, identifying gaps and challenges affecting its effective enforcement.
The stakeholders made the assessment at a media roundtable discussion on the implementation of the law in Bauchi State, organised by Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development, Plan International in partnership with Global Affairs Canada.
The Bauchi State Persons with Disabilities Protection and Disability Commission Law prohibits all forms of discrimination against persons with disabilities and prescribes penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for offenders.
The discussions focused on the progress recorded in implementing the law, existing gaps, accessibility and challenges confronting persons with disabilities in the state.
Participants also examined access to education, healthcare, employment and public institutions, as well as the extent to which government facilities and services are accessible to persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the event, Head of Monitoring and Evaluation, Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development, Ismael Umar, said the roundtable was organised to provide an opportunity for stakeholders, particularly the media, to discuss the implementation of the Bauchi State Persons with Disabilities Protection and Disability Commission Law.
Umar said the law provides an important framework for strengthening the protection, inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in the development of the state.
He, however, noted that the existence of the law was only the beginning, stressing that its provisions must be translated into practical actions, policies, programmes and services capable of improving the lives of persons with disabilities.
He emphasised the important role of the media in promoting awareness of the law through responsible and sustained reporting.
He mentioned that media is not only a source of information, it can also serve as a platform for public education and the like awareness creation, advocacy, and accountability.
He added, “I will expect the media to become more engaged in reporting issues affecting persons with disabilities and promoting public awareness of their rights, entitlement and challenges as well monitor the implementation of the law.”
Also speaking a, Facilitator, Rukayya Bilyaminu Othman, said the adoption of the law marked a historic step that aligns with the Nigerian Disability Act of 2018, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the principles of social justice, equality and human dignity.
Othman said the law mandates access to physical infrastructure, inclusive education, healthcare and employment for persons with disabilities, while establishing a commission and providing penalties for non-compliance.
She, however, cautioned that without effective implementation, the law would remain merely a promise.
According to her, effective implementation would enable persons with disabilities to enjoy their rights as full, equal and integrated members of society.
She added that inclusion makes economic sense, noting that society could not afford to exclude a significant proportion of its population from meaningful participation in the workforce and economy.
Othman explained that inclusion would reduce dependency and enable persons with disabilities to contribute their talents, skills and abilities to the development of the state and the country.
She further stressed that effective implementation of the law would build public trust and promote social inclusion, urging the government to demonstrate commitment by ensuring that the provisions of the law translate into tangible benefits for persons with disabilities.
She also called for adequate funding of the Bauchi State Commission for Persons with Disabilities to enable it effectively discharge its responsibilities.
Earlier, the Gender Desk Officer of the Bauchi State Ministry of Justice, Barrister Maimuna Ahmed, gave an overview of the key provisions of the law, the rights guaranteed to persons with disabilities, the responsibilities of government institutions and expectations for its implementation.
Persons with disabilities at the roundtable welcomed the enactment of the law but called on the government and relevant stakeholders to prioritise its effective implementation to ensure that the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities are protected.
There was another presentation on the role of the media , where a Development journalists Bashir Hassan Abubakar urge the media to use appropriate language to address persons with disabilities.
He said the media need to engage PWDs when reporting their issues.
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