A disability rights advocate has urged the Taraba State House of Assembly to accelerate the passage of the Disability Commission Bill, aimed at promoting inclusion and protecting the rights of persons living with disabilities.

In an open letter addressed to Speaker John Kizito Bonzena, Wanderimam Tenyang, Chair of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, Taraba State chapter, commended the House for progressing the bill to its second reading but called for expedited action to see it enacted.

Tenyang said persons with disabilities face severe hardship across the state, with many forced into street begging due to unemployment and lack of support.

“The establishment of a Disability Commission will open employment opportunities, reduce poverty, and address major challenges such as accessibility, education, and social integration,” he said.

The proposed commission is expected to act as a dedicated agency to implement disability-related policies and support affected persons across various sectors.

Tenyang said passing the bill would significantly improve the lives of people with disabilities and contribute to Taraba’s wider development. He called on lawmakers to prioritise the legislation and ensure its swift passage.

The disability community, he noted, continues to await the long-anticipated commission, hoping it will signal a new chapter in their push for equality and justice.