Historic Victory for Disability Rights: Benue State House of Assembly Passes Disability Rights Bill

Benue State House of Assembly Passes Disability Rights Bill

Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative (HAPI) proudly celebrates the passage of the Benue State Disability Rights Bill by the State House of Assembly on 1 August 2025. This landmark legislation represents a transformative moment for inclusion, justice, and human rights — protecting the dignity, rights, and aspirations of persons with disabilities in Benue State.

High-Level Leadership and Commitment

The successful passage of the bill reflects strong political will at the highest levels. We commend the Executive Governor and the State Executive Council for approving the draft bill and forwarding it as an Executive Bill to the House of Assembly. Their proactive leadership underscores a commitment to inclusive governance and the recognition of disability rights as a critical part of the state’s development agenda.

HAPI at the Forefront

HAPI played a pivotal role in this legislative milestone through continuous monitoring, technical engagement, and mobilisation of community voices. From the first reading to the final approval, we ensured that the lived experiences of persons with disabilities were centred, driving the bill to reflect their priorities and needs.

This achievement is community-led, disability-driven, and justice-centred — a direct result of sustained advocacy, strategic engagement, and tireless leadership from civil society.

Collaborative Efforts and Advocacy

We extend heartfelt appreciation to:

• The Speaker and members of the Benue State House of Assembly for prioritising and passing this essential legislation

• Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) across Benue State, whose lived experiences and persistent advocacy shaped the bill

• The Disability Rights Fund (DRF) for strategic funding that enabled continuous policymaker engagement, grassroots mobilisation, and the convening of critical stakeholders

In line with DRF’s vision of a “disability-led future for a just world,” today’s passage is a living example of what inclusive advocacy can achieve.

Next Steps

While we celebrate this historic milestone, the work continues. We call on the Executive Governor to promptly assent to the bill and direct relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to initiate planning and budgeting for full implementation, ensuring that disability rights move from law to lived reality.

A Victory for the Disability Community

This moment belongs to all, but most especially to persons with disabilities who never stopped demanding their rightful place in society. Today’s passage proves what is possible when the disability community leads the journey toward justice.

Funded by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF) — Nigeria