A well-known non-governmental organisation (NGO) that fights for the rights of disabled people, the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), has asked the Benue State government to make the Disability Act part of the state’s laws. This pressing call makes it clear that Benue needs to follow the lead of other North Central geopolitical zone states that have already passed the law. The Disability Act was passed by Nigeria’s National Assembly in 2018 and signed into law on January 23, 2019, by former President Muhammadu Buhari. Its goal is to protect the rights and respect of disabled people across the country.
Even though this important law was passed at the national level, the Disability Act has not been implemented consistently across Nigeria. Five states in the North Central zone have done a lot to “domesticate” the law, which means they have made sure that its rules fit the wants and situations of their regions. However, Benue State has not yet done the same, which has worried people who work for disability rights and other groups.
Bringing the Disability Act into the United States is very important for many reasons. First, it makes sure that people with disabilities’ rights are protected by the law in the state where it applies. If the national law isn’t domesticated, it might not be fully enforced at the state level. This could leave people with disabilities open to abuse and exclusion. In its call for action, the IFA stresses how important this legal framework is for supporting equality and inclusion for all citizens.
Bringing the Disability Act into Nigerian law would also show that the state is serious about protecting the rights of one of the most disadvantaged groups in society. People with disabilities often have a hard time getting to school, work, medical care, and other important services. Benue State would be taking a big step towards breaking down these barriers and making a place where everyone, no matter their abilities, can succeed if they pass the Disability Act.
People are wondering what the state government’s goals are and how much it cares about the well-being of disabled people because of the delay in domestication. Supporters say that the lack of legal protection keeps inequality going and makes it harder for disabled people to fully join in society. People with disabilities should not have their rights ignored when policies are being made; the IFA’s appeal is a warning of this.
The IFA has also said that people need to learn more about the Disability Act and be aware of how important it is. It’s possible that a lot of people don’t know what the law says or how it can help them. More people knowing about the law can help it pass and put pressure on the state government to move quickly.
Finally, the Inclusive Friends Association’s call for the Disability Act to be made law in Benue State shows how important it is to protect and support the rights of disabled people right away. As other North Central zone states have shown, domestication is an important step towards making sure that all citizens are treated with respect and honour, no matter what their physical or mental abilities are. The government of Benue State should listen to this call and do what needs to be done to make the Disability Act part of everyday life. This way, everyone will be able to work towards equality and justice.