By Muhammad Amaan
The Vulnerable People Support and Development Initiative (V-PeSDI) has called on the Kano State Government to establish a Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
The call made by the Coordinator of V-PeSDI, Aftahana Dahiru Sarina, followed the recent release of the Assumptive Data of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria by the (JONAPWD), which indicates that Kano State is home to approximately 2.5 million persons with disabilities (PWDs).
In a statement issued at the weekend, Aftahana Sarina, said the newly unveiled data highlights the scale and diversity of disability across Nigeria.
“According to the figures, persons with physical disabilities constitute the largest cluster at about 8.2 million nationwide, followed by persons with hearing impairment at about 7.7 million, and persons with visual impairment at about 7.2 million.
“Other disability clusters—including persons affected by leprosy, albinism, spinal cord injuries, intellectual disabilities, deaf-blindness, and little stature—also form significant segments of the disability community.
“This distribution clearly demonstrates that disability in Nigeria is both diverse and widespread, requiring deliberate, coordinated, and institutional responses at all levels of government,” he said.
The coordinator added that, while Kano State enacted disability legislation aimed at protecting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, the absence of a functional State Commission for Persons with Disabilities continues to limit the effective implementation of the law.
“Without a dedicated institution responsible for enforcement, coordination, and oversight, many of the protections and opportunities envisioned in the law remain largely unfulfilled.”
V-PeSDI also noted that the non-establishment of the commission has contributed to several persistent challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Kano State.
“Many public buildings, health facilities, and transportation systems remain inaccessible to persons with mobility and sensory disabilities. Healthcare services often lack ramps, accessible sanitation facilities, and trained personnel who can effectively support persons with disabilities.
“In the education sector, limited assistive learning materials and inadequate inclusive teaching methods continue to hinder the participation of children and young persons with disabilities.
“Economic exclusion also remains a major concern. Without a strong institutional framework to promote disability inclusion, many persons with disabilities face significant barriers in accessing employment opportunities, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support. These challenges contribute to cycles of poverty and social marginalization,” part of the statement read.
It further stated that, ‘Equally concerning is the limited representation of persons with disabilities in policy-making processes, as the absence of a commission denies the disability community a formal platform to engage government institutions and ensure accountability in the implementation of disability-related policies and programs.
“With Kano State now estimated to have about 2.5 million persons with disabilities, V-PeSDI emphasizes that the establishment of a State Commission for Persons with Disabilities is no longer optional—it is a necessary step toward inclusive governance and sustainable development.
“A functional commission would serve as a central institution responsible for monitoring compliance with disability laws, coordinating disability-inclusive policies across ministries, promoting accessibility standards, facilitating employment inclusion, and strengthening the voice and participation of persons with disabilities in governance.
“Beyond protecting rights, such a commission would also contribute to broader societal benefits. Inclusive policies can unlock the economic potential of persons with disabilities, reduce dependency, strengthen social cohesion, and ensure that development efforts leave no one behind.”
The V-PeSDI, therefore, called on the Kano State Government to prioritize the immediate establishment and operationalization of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, in line with the state’s disability law and its commitment to inclusive development.
“As the disability population in Kano State continues to grow in visibility and recognition, the time to act is now. Establishing the commission will send a clear message that Kano State is committed to protecting the dignity, rights, and full participation of every citizen, including persons with disabilities.
“V-PeSDI remains committed to working collaboratively with government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, and the disability community to advance inclusive policies and ensure that persons with disabilities in Kano State are not left behind.”
