ADAC Commends Gombe Assembly for Passing Historic Disability Protection Bill
By Matthew Eloyi
The Advocacy for Disability Act Cluster (ADAC), a coalition of five civil society organisations, has commended the Gombe State House of Assembly for passing the Gombe State Disability Protection Law, which includes establishing the Gombe State Disability Commission.
This groundbreaking legislation, according to ADAC, is set to transform the lives of over half a million persons with disabilities across Gombe State by enshrining rights and providing essential services for inclusive education, healthcare, accessible infrastructure, political participation, and inclusive budgeting.
In a press release signed by ADAC’s Cluster Anchor and Executive Director of the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), Grace Jerry, the group lauded the House of Assembly’s commitment to making this legislation a priority.
The ADAC celebrated the critical support from the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONPWD) Gombe State Chapter, Gombe State Network of Civil Society (GONET), and local media, who collaborated to make this milestone possible.
According to ADAC, the House of Assembly demonstrated its commitment during key events, including ADAC’s legislative support gathering in December 2023 in Yola and a public hearing retreat in Bauchi in August 2024. Speaker Rt. Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Luggerewo led the charge, fulfilling promises made to prioritize and pass the disability bill. The bill’s sponsor, Hon. Shuaibu Adamu of Kwami East, along with the House Committee on Women Affairs and Special Duties, worked tirelessly throughout the legislative process.
“The Gombe State Assembly has lived up to its commitments, creating a new era for Persons with Disabilities in Gombe State,” the statement said, emphasising that the law ensures disability-related issues are addressed through a rights-based approach rather than sympathy.
ADAC also applauded Gombe State Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya for his role in supporting policies and legislation benefitting the disability community and urged him to promptly sign the bill, marking Gombe as an inclusive, pace-setting state.
According to the group, the establishment of the Gombe State Disability Commission is a victory for the administration of Governor Yahaya and a powerful testament to the state’s commitment to inclusivity.
ADAC expressed its pride in being part of this journey and its eagerness for the governor’s swift assent to bring the commission to life.
