The Yobe State House of Assembly is taking a bold step toward fostering fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity with a proposed bill to establish a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Commission.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Chiroma Buba, made this known during a one-day technical retreat held in Kano on Monday.
The retreat, which aimed at refining the draft bill, was organized by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) with support from UN Women and Global Affairs Canada.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Buba emphasized that the bill represents a significant stride in promoting equal representation and social justice, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable groups.
“The DEI bill provides a strong platform for entrenching fairness and dignity for all.
“It seeks to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and other underrepresented communities,” he said.
The Hon. Speaker commended WARDC for its unwavering advocacy for inclusive governance and acknowledged the importance of building a society where every citizen has a voice.
“We recognize that the true strength of any society lies in its diversity.
“Inclusion must go beyond numbers; it must empower every individual with a sense of belonging and access to opportunity,” Hon. Buba stated.
He noted that the bill has already scaled through its first and second readings and is currently at the committee stage.
The next phase, according to the Hon. Speaker, will involve statewide public hearings across the three senatorial zones to gather citizen feedback.
“We want the voices of our people to shape this law.
“Their opinions matter deeply, whether in support or suggesting amendments,” Hon/ Buba said.
When asked about the bill’s impact on women’s political participation, Hon. Buba explained that while the Nigerian constitution ensures equal rights, the DEI bill specifically targets fair access to services, government programs, and inclusive governance.
“In the political space, women have the same rights to contest as men.
“However, this bill is designed to guarantee that women, and all vulnerable groups, are not excluded from essential services and decision-making spaces,” he clarified.
He added that the retreat provided a valuable opportunity for all 23 members of the State House Assembly to engage with experts and gain a deeper understanding of the bill’s technical details and broader implications.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Founding Director of WARDC, praised the Yobe Assembly for demonstrating strong political will to advance inclusive development.
“This bill is a crucial tool for dismantling systemic barriers that have long excluded many from participating fully in political, economic, and social life,” she said.
Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi highlighted key provisions in the bill, including a 35% minimum quota for women in appointive positions, protections for persons with disabilities, and clear penalties for discriminatory practices.
She said beyond legal reform, the bill reflects a growing recognition of the need for structural inclusion and equity in governance across Nigeria.
