By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | KatsinaTimes, April 15, 2026
The Katsina State Secretary of Muryar Matasa Initiative, Comrade Nasir Dauda ‘Yansiliyu, has called on the Katsina State Government to urgently implement the Disability Rights Act to safeguard the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Speaking during a press briefing held on Wednesday at the NUJ Secretariat in Katsina, Dauda said the law, though domesticated by the Katsina State House of Assembly, remains largely unimplemented by the current administration.
He described Muryar Matasa Initiative as a non-governmental, non-profit, and non-political organisation established in 2021, dedicated to empowering young people, particularly those living with disabilities, across Katsina State and Nigeria.
Dauda stressed that full implementation of the Disability Rights Act would provide a comprehensive legal framework to protect the fundamental rights of persons with disabilities, including access to education, healthcare, employment, and public infrastructure.
“The Act guarantees inclusive education from primary to tertiary levels, access to healthcare, and equal employment opportunities, including a provision for at least five per cent employment quota for persons with disabilities in government recruitment,” he said.
He further explained that the law mandates accessibility in public buildings such as hospitals, schools, and government offices to ensure ease of movement for persons with disabilities.
The Muryar Matasa secretary also highlighted the need for the establishment of a state agency or commission for persons with disabilities, noting that several states across Nigeria have already implemented similar structures.
“While Katsina State has taken a commendable step by creating offices such as the Special Assistant on Disability Matters, more needs to be done to institutionalise support through a functional agency,” he added.
Dauda commended the state government for its efforts toward inclusive governance but urged it to take decisive action by operationalising the law and ensuring enforcement mechanisms are in place.
He also called for adequate funding and institutional support to improve the welfare of persons with disabilities in the state.
According to him, persons with disabilities in Katsina fall into five major clusters, including those with spinal cord injuries, visual impairments, physical disabilities, hearing impairments, and those affected by leprosy.
He noted that available estimates put the population of persons with disabilities in the state at about 812, stressing that they have a vital role to play in societal development if properly supported.
“We strongly appeal to the government to act urgently and ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are fully protected and promoted,” he said.
The briefing concluded with a renewed call for immediate implementation of the law to improve inclusion and development outcomes across the state.
