The Bauchi State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has inaugurated a Disability Inclusion Technical Working Group (DITWG) to promote equity, inclusion, and respect for the human rights of persons with disabilities.

Speaking during the inauguration on Wednesday, the UNFPA Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Muriel Mafico, said Bauchi had become the first among the 19 northern states to establish such a group.

According to her, the working group will advance inclusion, equity, and human rights for all persons with disabilities.

Represented by Olawunmi Akande, a UNFPA official, Mafico noted that disability inclusion is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the vision of the 2030 Agenda.

“Disability inclusion is not an act of charity, but a matter of human rights, development, and justice,” she said.
“UNFPA is committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities—especially women, girls, and young people—have equal access to sexual and reproductive health services, education, and opportunities to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes.

“UNFPA stands ready to support this working group through evidence generation, capacity building, inclusive programming, and technical assistance,” Mafico added.

Also speaking, an official of the Bauchi State Agency for Disabled Persons, Mr. Abubakar Sambo, said the group’s objective is to promote and coordinate disability inclusion through a multi-sectoral approach by bringing together relevant stakeholders and organizations of persons with disabilities.

He explained that the group will provide technical support in areas such as inclusive education, accessible infrastructure, healthcare services, and disability-inclusive employment practices.

Sambo emphasized that the working group would also monitor and review state policies and programmes to ensure alignment with international standards and best practices.

He added that the group would advocate for disability rights through public awareness campaigns, policy dialogues, and engagement with key decision-makers.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Agency for People with Disabilities, Mrs. Brisca Jerome, said the support from UNFPA complements the state government’s efforts toward inclusive governance.

She commended the UN agency and the state governor for creating an enabling environment for partners to strengthen programmes targeting persons with disabilities.

Jerome noted that the DITWG comprises 36 members drawn from relevant stakeholders in the sector and would be chaired by the Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Agency for People with Disabilities.