Bauchi State Assembly Passes Disability Protection, Commission Law to Safeguard Rights of PWDs

The Bauchi State House of Assembly has passed the Bauchi State Disability Protection and Disability Commission Bill into law, a landmark legislation aimed at fully integrating Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) into society.

Barr. Habibu Umar, the bill’s sponsor and representative of Kirfi Constituency, explained during Tuesday’s plenary presided over by Speaker Abubakar Y. Sulaiman that the law prohibits all forms of discrimination against PWDs and prescribes penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for violators.

The legislation mandates that public buildings, facilities, and transportation systems be made accessible through ramps, lifts, and other necessary support infrastructure. It also establishes a Commission for Persons with Disabilities to oversee the implementation of the law, receive complaints, and support victims of rights violations.

Key provisions of the law include guaranteed access to inclusive education, subsidised healthcare services, political participation, social protection, public housing, and poverty reduction programmes for PWDs. Public institutions are also required to reserve at least 10 percent of their programmes for Persons with Disabilities.

Barr. Umar noted that the bill aligns with Bauchi State’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive governance and human rights protection. Full implementation is expected to commence upon the Governor’s assent.