Bauchi Assembly Passes Disability Protection, Commission Bill Into Law

The Bauchi State House of Assembly has considered and passed the Bauchi State Disability Protection and Disability Commission Bill into law.

Sponsor of the bill and member representing Kirfi Constituency, Barr. Habibu Umar said the legislation is designed to fully integrate Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) into society by prohibiting discrimination and guaranteeing their social, economic, and civil rights.

During the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Abubakar Y. Sulaiman, on Tuesday, Barr. Umar explained that the new law outlaws all forms of discrimination against Persons with Disabilities and prescribes penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for offenders.

Barr. Umar further stated that the law mandates public buildings, facilities, and transportation systems to be made accessible through the provision of ramps, lifts, and other necessary support infrastructure.

According to him, the legislation also provides for the establishment of a Commission for Persons with Disabilities, which will be responsible for implementing the law, receiving complaints, and supporting victims of rights violations.

They added that other 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 Persons with Disabilities.

The lawmaker noted that public institutions are required to reserve at least ten per cent of their programmes for the participation of Persons with Disabilities.

Barr. Habibu Umar noted that the bill aligns with Bauchi State’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, thereby reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive governance and the protection of human rights.

He stated that with the passage of the bill, the Bauchi State Government is expected to commence full implementation upon the Governor’s assent.