The Kano State Government has yet to establish a Commission for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) nearly three years after making public commitments, sparking renewed criticism from disability advocates.
Humanitarian journalist Hannatu Suleiman Abba raised the concern in a public commentary, recalling that the promise to set up the commission was made during the 2023 election campaign of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
According to Abba, the commitment was clearly stated during a review of the NNPP blueprint at Babale Suite, organised by the AMG Foundation, where Malam Sanusi Bature—now Director General of Media—represented the party’s governorship candidate, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Following the election victory, expectations rose among persons with disabilities and advocacy groups, who viewed the proposed commission as key to advancing inclusion and safeguarding disability rights across Kano State.
On December 28, 2023, the state government further raised hopes when Sanusi Bature issued a press statement announcing that the commission would be established in 2024. The statement, delivered through the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of persons with disabilities.
However, more than a year later, the commission has not been set up.
In the meantime, the Ministry of Women, Children and Special Needs, under Commissioner Hajiya Amina Abdullahi, has continued to involve persons with disabilities in its programmes through the Director of Special Needs, Dr. Binta Bala.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has also supported several interventions targeted at persons with disabilities, efforts observers describe as positive but limited in scope.
Advocates argue that such interventions cannot replace a statutory commission responsible for coordinating disability policies, ensuring representation, and addressing challenges in healthcare, education, entrepreneurship and social inclusion.
Abba noted that the absence of the commission continues to affect persons with disabilities across the state and warned that delays undermine the domestication and effective implementation of disability-related laws.
She added that discussions with stakeholders, including disability advocate Abdulrazak Ado Zango, have consistently highlighted the need for a functional commission as a platform for inclusion in policymaking and governance.
While acknowledging ongoing government initiatives, stakeholders insist that establishing the Commission for Persons with Disabilities remains the most sustainable approach to ensuring equal opportunities and long-term protection of disability rights in Kano State.