The Nasarawa State Disability Rights Commission (NSDRC) has called for urgent intervention by Governor Abdullahi A. Sule to address critical challenges affecting its operations and the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
The appeal followed a strategic management meeting held on October 27, 2026, in Lafia, under the leadership of the Pioneer Executive Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Saleh Barde Keana.
Speaking at the meeting, Hon. Barde said the gathering was convened to review the Commission’s challenges, develop strategies for sustainable growth and reposition the institution for more effective service delivery to Persons with Disabilities across the state.
One of the major issues discussed was the Commission’s proposed relocation to the former Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources building, following approval granted by Governor Sule. However, the Chairman explained that the facility requires renovation, redesign and the construction of accessibility ramps before it can adequately accommodate Persons with Disabilities. He disclosed that efforts were ongoing to secure the Governor’s approval for the necessary renovation works.
The meeting also expressed concern over the ongoing recruitment exercise into the Nasarawa State Civil Service, alleging that Persons with Disabilities had been sidelined despite existing provisions for disability inclusion and the five per cent employment quota.
Hon. Barde stressed that the Commission, as the statutory institution responsible for protecting and promoting the rights of Persons with Disabilities in the state, could not remain silent while members of its constituency were excluded from employment opportunities.
He further disclosed that some Persons with Disabilities had planned to stage a protest over the alleged exclusion but said he intervened and persuaded them to suspend the action while he continued engagements with heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as other relevant stakeholders, to address their concerns.
At the end of the meeting, the management unanimously resolved that the Executive Chairman should seek an audience with Governor Sule to formally present the challenges confronting the Commission and Persons with Disabilities in the state for urgent government intervention.
The meeting was attended by the Commission’s directors and other top management officials, who reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the institution and supporting its repositioning agenda under Hon. Barde’s leadership.
The Chairman reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the rights, welfare, equal opportunities and full inclusion of Persons with Disabilities remain priorities under the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule.
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