PERL takes a rights-based approach to disability, working on the fundamental principle that people living with disabilities are fully entitled to the benefits of government policies and programmes. To date, the programme has contributed to concrete changes that will improve service delivery. 

Passage of disability laws in north-western states

Building on the work of the UK aid funded M4D and SAVI programmes, PERL supported organisations and individuals working on the passage of disability bills in Kano and Jigawa States. The programme helped people with disabilities to have constructive engagement with the government, to demand more government accountability, and to advocate strategically for the passage of the bills. 

In January 2017, the disability bill became law in Jigawa State, entrenching the rights of persons with disabilities within the state. Jigawa’s Executive Governor then formally approved the establishment of a fund (mandated by the law) which would finance efforts at creating a more inclusive society.

In December 2018, the Government of Kano signed the state’s disability bill into law, pursuing an approach to disability inclusion that aims to mainstream disability in government programmes and policies and to support disability-targeted programmes. The Kano State Persons Living with Disability Law guarantees the fundamental human rights of people living with disabilities, and enforces their rights in the areas of education, health, freedom of association and participation in political activities.

PERL also engaged the Yobe State House of Assembly around a state disability bill. In December 2018 PERL’s partners in Yobe State submitted a draft Persons Living with Disability Bill to the House of Assembly.

Implementation of the disability law in Jigawa

PERL is working with both citizens and the government on the implementation of Jigawa’s disability law. In collaboration with Jigawa State Rehabilitation Board (which focuses on the protection, promotion and development of persons with disabilities) and a civil society initiative, the programme has established and inaugurated a Disability Law Implementation Committee. The committee has developed an action plan for the implementation of the disability law. It is also working to sensitise the public on the law’s importance. With PERL’s support, persons living with disability were able to influence the composition of the committee and were given representation.

PERL also developed an action and implementation plan that will facilitate the revitalisation and functionality of Jigawa’s Disability Fund Establishment Committee and will help ensure the launch and timely contributions of the Jigawa State Disability Trust Fund.

Inputs to guide Nigeria’s disability commitments

PERL supported the Ministry of Women Affairs to develop Nigeria’s commitments on disability inclusion which were made at the Global Disability Summit in London in 2018. PERL brought together ministry officials and organisations representing persons with disabilities so they could agree on the commitments together. PERL then helped its disability partners to develop guidelines for the implementation of the commitments.

To learn more about PERL’s work to improve service delivery for persons with disabilities, read our brief.