In a significant move toward a more inclusive society, Zamfara State’s administration under Governor Dauda Lawal has formally established the Zamfara State Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Board. Officials say this new Board is a direct outcome of recent amendments designed to strengthen protections for people living with disabilities and push for equal access to rights, employment, and community participation.
Why the Board Matters: A Step for Social Equity
Across Nigeria and West Africa, people with disabilities often face barriers to education, employment, healthcare, and full participation in society. According to data from the World Health Organization, about 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability, and in Nigeria, official figures estimate that several million people fall under this category. For many years, advocacy groups have called for institutional mechanisms to promote their inclusion and protection from discrimination.
In this context, the creation of a dedicated Board is a notable milestone for Zamfara—and potentially a model for other states in the region. The government says the new Board is aimed at guaranteeing the rights and support systems that people with disabilities need to live with dignity and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Key Changes in Law and Governance Structure
Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, announced several important updates from the recently amended law. These include:
- Renaming the Board’s leadership structure: The position of “Chairman” now becomes “Executive Chairman”, reflecting expanded executive responsibilities.
- The post of “Executive Secretary” is now simply “Secretary”, to streamline operations.
- All Board members will now serve full-time rather than part-time, a move advocates say will ensure that disability-related policies receive focused, consistent attention.
- Importantly, at least some Board members must themselves be persons with disabilities—a provision designed to guarantee that decisions are responsive to the actual needs of the disability community.
Meet the Pioneering Members of the PWDs Board
Governor Dauda Lawal has appointed a diverse group of individuals with lived experience to lead this transformative agency. Heading the Board as inaugural Executive Chairman is Alhaji Usman Ahmed Nahuche, a retired Permanent Secretary well-respected for his work in state governance and advocacy for disability rights. Notably, Alhaji Nahuche is a member of the Deaf cluster, underlining the Board’s commitment to inclusion.
Other appointees include:
- Hajiya Amina B.M. Audu (Spinal Cords cluster)
- Tukur Abdullahi (Deaf cluster)
- Babangida Umar Shinkafi (Physically challenged group)
- Umar Babangida Ahmed (Blind cluster)
- Binta Namadi (Women’s representative)
- Sani Abubakar (General member)
This diverse representation is intended to ensure the Board captures varied experiences and fosters policies that benefit all persons with disabilities—regardless of their specific challenges.
Local Impact: What the New Board Means for Zamfara State
For many in the Zamfara community, the Board’s launch is being described as a turning point. According to local advocates, previous policies and programs often missed the mark due to lack of direct input from those affected. With persons with disabilities now on the Board, decisions on everything from health access to job opportunities are likely to better reflect realities on the ground.
Suleiman Dan Fodio, a disability rights activist in Gusau, Zamfara’s capital, noted, “This is the first time we are truly being given a voice at the highest level. It sends a signal that our experiences matter.”
The state government claims the Board’s core mandate includes:
- Enforcing anti-discrimination provisions in public and private institutions
- Promoting accessible infrastructure, employment, and education
- Providing advisory input on policy and planning
- Championing awareness campaigns to reduce stigma
Still, some community leaders warn that true impact will depend on the Board’s funding, support from other agencies, and ongoing civil society oversight.
Setting a Precedent for West Africa?
Nigeria has made significant legal advances for PWDs in recent years—notably with the national Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, signed in 2019. However, implementation remains a challenge, and many West African countries face similar hurdles.
By establishing its own dedicated board, Zamfara joins states like Lagos and Ekiti in creating local solutions within the broader framework of national policy. Experts say such grassroots efforts often close the gap between laws on paper and real-world outcomes.
Ghana and other regional neighbors are watching these developments closely. Prof. Kofi Mensah of the University of Ghana’s Centre for Disability Studies commented, “Zamfara’s approach—embedding people with lived experience in decision-making—should be a model for governments across West Africa.”
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
There’s broad optimism among disability rights advocates, but also cautious realism. Challenges persist, such as:
- Ensuring stable funding for Board initiatives and staff salaries
- Coordinating with local governments across rural and hard-to-reach parts of Zamfara
- Building public awareness so that societal stigma can be reduced
- Monitoring institutions for compliance and holding violators accountable
To address these, Governor Lawal has “charged the appointees to work diligently towards uplifting the living standards of PWDs across the State.” It’s an ambitious goal—one that many say will require cooperation among government, civil society, traditional rulers, and international partners.
Reactions from the Disability Community and Beyond
Surveys and comments on local radio suggest a sense of hope among Zamfara residents with disabilities, though some remain skeptical about long-term change. “We have been given promises before,” commented Aisha Abdullahi, a visually impaired trader in Shinkafi, “but if this Board is funded and empowered, we may finally get the dignity and opportunity we deserve.”
Social media commentary from advocacy organizations has also been largely positive, with many urging Zamfara to prioritize accessibility, vocational training, and awareness campaigns as first steps.
What’s Next for Inclusion in Zamfara?
As the Board begins operations, all eyes are on its implementation of new policies and on whether similar models will be expanded to other states. Observers say success will ultimately be measured not just by appointments but by tangible improvements—ranging from job placements for PWDs, to accessible schools, hospitals, and markets.
Crucially, sustained progress will rely on partnership: between government, communities, and people living with disabilities themselves. As more advocates and stakeholders are brought into the fold, Zamfara’s example could inspire similar reforms elsewhere in Nigeria—and possibly across Africa.
What is your reaction to Zamfara’s new Board for Persons with Disabilities? Do you think similar models should be adopted in other states—or even across West Africa? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation as this story develops.
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