A coalition of Civil Society Organizations under the Advocacy for Disability Act Cluster (ADAC) has commended the Taraba State House of Assembly for passing the bill establishing the Taraba State Persons with Disabilities Commission. The bill was passed on Monday, May 5, 2025, under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena.
ADAC comprises five CSOs across Nigeria: El-New Hope Foundation (Abia), Global Youth Empowerment and Vulnerable Initiative (Adamawa), Lawanti Development Community Foundation (Gombe), Center for Peace Education and Community Development (Taraba), and the Inclusive Friends Association (Abuja). The coalition joined the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) Taraba Chapter and other advocacy groups to hail the Assembly’s commitment to inclusive governance.
According to the group, the passage of the bill is a direct outcome of commitments made during the ADAC Legislative Retreat held in Yola on December 12, 2023. At the event, Hon. Jethro Yakubu Zikengyu, Majority Leader of the Assembly and representative of Wukari I Constituency, pledged to ensure the bill’s passage—a promise now fulfilled.
“This milestone signifies a new dawn for the disability community in Taraba State,” said Grace Jerry, Cluster Anchor for ADAC and Executive Director of the Inclusive Friends Association. “It’s a testament to the inclusive spirit of the Assembly and the people-centered leadership of Governor Agbu Kefas, who has consistently demonstrated support for persons with disabilities since assuming office in May 2023.”
ADAC praised Hon. Annas Shua’abu, the bill’s sponsor, as well as the House Committee on Social Welfare, for their coordination and dedication. The organization also acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Philister Ibrahim Musa, Commissioner for Social Justice and Reintegration, alongside the media and civil society groups whose advocacy contributed to the bill’s success.
The coalition urged Governor Kefas to assent to the bill promptly, setting in motion the establishment of the Disability Commission to ensure full implementation and monitoring of inclusive policies in the state.
“This legislation moves Taraba away from a charity-based model of disability support toward a rights-based framework that ensures equal access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and civil liberties for over half a million persons with disabilities in the state,” Jerry added.
ADAC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting inclusive legislation and encouraged the Assembly to continue championing laws that uphold the rights and dignity of all citizens.
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