Taraba disability community seeks full implementation of disability law

Stakeholders and members of the disability community in Taraba State have commended the state government for domesticating the Persons with Disabilities Law, while calling for its full and effective implementation to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.

The call was made at the National Policy Advocacy Lab, N-PAL, on Tuesday during the stakeholders' town hall and policy dialogue, themed “From Law to Action,” organised in Jalingo by a serving National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member, Mary Yusuf.

The Taraba State Government domesticated the Persons with Disabilities Law on July 23, 2025, a move widely welcomed as a step towards recognising, promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities in the state.

However, more than a year after the law was domesticated, concerns have emerged over the level of its implementation and the persistent barriers confronting persons with disabilities.

The concerns informed the project, “From Law to Action: Advocating for Disability-Inclusive Policy Implementation in Taraba State,” being undertaken under the NYSC Policy Advocacy Lab (N-PAL) 2026 initiative.

Speaking at the dialogue, Yusuf said the engagement was designed to identify challenges hindering the implementation of the law, develop practical recommendations and secure commitments from relevant stakeholders to ensure its effective enforcement.

She stressed the need for collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and members of the disability community to translate the provisions of the law into tangible improvements in the lives of persons with disabilities.

Representatives of the Office of the Secretary to the Taraba State Government, the National Human Rights Commission and the National Orientation Agency, among other stakeholders, reiterated the importance of the dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the effective implementation of the law.

Also speaking, a representative of the Taraba State Persons with Disabilities Agency, Hamza Magaji, who addressed participants through an interpreter, decried the persistent discrimination and exploitation of persons with disabilities at social gatherings.

Magaji expressed particular concern over the experiences of women with disabilities, who he said were especially vulnerable to discriminatory treatment and exploitation.

He emphasised the need for increased awareness, stronger institutional support and concrete measures to protect persons with disabilities from abuse and discrimination.

Participants expressed hope that the outcome of the engagement would strengthen accountability and promote a more inclusive environment in which persons with disabilities can fully enjoy their rights and participate in society.

Taraba disability community seeks full implementation of disability law