Port Harcourt, Rivers State — Momentum is building for the passage of a disability rights law in Rivers State following a high-level stakeholders’ roundtable convened by the Freky Andrew-Essien Care Foundation (FAECARE Foundation).
The strategic meeting, held in Port Harcourt with support from the Disability Rights Fund under the Disability Rights Initiative Project: Rural Rivers, brought together government officials, civil society organisations, development partners, and groups representing persons with disabilities.
The roundtable focused on practical steps needed to advance disability inclusion and establish stronger legal protections for persons with disabilities in the state.
Stakeholders noted that despite national disability legislation, many persons with disabilities in Rivers State still encounter barriers in education, healthcare, employment, transportation, and access to public facilities.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of FAECARE Foundation, Ambassador Ndifreke Andrew-Essien, said exclusion remains the real challenge rather than disability itself.
He explained that many public systems were not originally designed to accommodate everyone, making legal reforms and inclusive planning necessary.
Participants agreed that disability inclusion should no longer be approached as charity, but as a matter of rights, equality, and sustainable development.
A major outcome of the meeting was a renewed call for the drafted Rivers State Disability Rights Bill to be urgently passed into law. According to stakeholders, the legislation would provide a clear framework for accessibility, equal opportunities, and protection against discrimination.
They also recommended the creation of a state Disability Commission or coordinating agency to drive implementation, monitor compliance, and ensure accountability across ministries and public institutions.
The meeting further stressed the importance of integrating disability inclusion into government planning, budgeting, infrastructure development, education policy, healthcare systems, and employment programmes.
Stakeholders also emphasized that persons with disabilities must be actively involved in decisions affecting their lives, noting that inclusive policies are more effective when shaped by lived experiences.
Representatives of several institutions expressed readiness to support the process. The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps highlighted its Disability Rights Help Desk for complaints and redress, while the Ministry of Justice pledged support for enforcement through appropriate legal channels. The Ministry of Social Welfare also reaffirmed its commitment to disability advancement in the state.
As part of the next phase, participants resolved to intensify engagement with political leaders, establish a technical working group to support the disability bill, and sustain advocacy through media and stakeholder partnerships.
The meeting ended with optimism that Rivers State can become a model of inclusion where public systems serve everyone equally and disability no longer limits opportunity.
Stakeholders declared that the time has come for Rivers State to legislate, implement, and fully include persons with disabilities in governance and development.
"No more delays. No more barriers. It is time to legislate, implement, and include,” stakeholders declared.
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