Disability Rights History Made in Bayelsa as Gov. Diri Signs Landmark Law, Approves Major Reforms

Disability Rights History Made in Bayelsa as Gov. Diri Signs Landmark Law, Approves Major Reforms

June 11, 2026

In a move widely described as a major milestone for social inclusion, healthcare development and governance reform, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has signed into law two significant bills aimed at transforming the lives of residents across the state.

The governor on Wednesday assented to the Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) Law and the Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital (BMUTH) Law during the 188th State Executive Council meeting held at Government House, Yenagoa.

The development has been hailed as a landmark achievement that strengthens the rights of persons living with disabilities while simultaneously advancing healthcare education and medical services in the state.

Speaking shortly after signing the legislation, Governor Diri described the Persons With Disabilities Law as a profound and people-oriented piece of legislation that would guarantee dignity, fairness, protection and equal opportunities for every Bayelsan regardless of physical condition.

The governor commended the sponsor of the bill, Dr. Charles Daniel, who represents Brass Constituency I in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, for his dedication and persistence in ensuring the legislation became a reality.

According to Diri, the new law stands among the most impactful pieces of legislation ever passed by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

He revealed that his administration had initially planned to introduce an Executive Bill to address the welfare and protection of persons living with disabilities.

 However, upon learning that a similar private member bill had already been introduced by Dr. Daniel, the government collaborated with the lawmaker to produce what has now become a landmark legal framework.

"I had directed the Deputy Governor when he served as Chief of Staff to initiate an Executive Bill that would take care of our brothers and sisters living with disabilities. Later, I was informed that a private member bill had already been sponsored by Dr. Charles Daniel, and I directed that both efforts be harmonized. What we have today is the result of that collaboration," the governor said.

Diri further praised the Speaker and members of the Assembly for the swift passage of the bill, noting that the law would help eliminate discrimination and address long-standing challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing public facilities and services.

The governor acknowledged that persons with disabilities have often been overlooked in public planning and infrastructure development across the country.

He stressed that the new law would ensure greater consideration for accessibility in public buildings, transportation systems, parking facilities and other essential infrastructure.

"We often build houses and public facilities without considering entrances, walkways and parking spaces for persons living with disabilities. This law seeks to correct that injustice and ensure that no one is left behind," he stated.

Diri added that even before the law was enacted, his administration had consistently implemented policies aimed at supporting physically challenged citizens and ensuring their participation in government programmes.

The governor emphasized that the success of his administration should not only be measured by physical infrastructure projects but also by its commitment to human development and inclusivity.

Earlier, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, explained that the bill underwent extensive legislative scrutiny after its first reading on October 15, 2024, before eventually passing its third reading on March 18, 2026.

According to the Speaker, the law provides for the establishment of a dedicated agency to oversee disability affairs in the state.

He disclosed that the agency would be headed by a part-time chairman appointed by the governor, while its day-to-day operations would be managed by a Director-General who must be a person living with a disability.

Ingobere said the law would ensure that public buildings, transportation systems, parking facilities and other public infrastructure become more accessible to persons with disabilities.

He also disclosed that one out of every ten seats in public buses would be reserved for physically challenged persons, while clearly marked parking spaces would be designated for them in public parking lots.

Reacting to the signing ceremony, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities, Bayelsa State Chapter, Mr. Mayor Doutiminariye, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Diri.

He described the governor as a compassionate leader who has consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare of persons with disabilities since assuming office.

Doutiminariye stated that the signing of the bill represented a historic breakthrough for members of the disability community in Bayelsa State.

According to him, the governor had performed what many members considered a miracle by transforming years of advocacy into a legally enforceable framework that guarantees their rights and inclusion.

In another major development, Governor Diri also signed into law the bill establishing the Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital.

The governor said the legislation finally settles years of debate surrounding the necessity of creating a dedicated teaching hospital for the Bayelsa Medical University.

He explained that the institution would serve as the primary training and research hospital for medical students while enhancing healthcare delivery across the state.

"Today, we have formally established a teaching hospital that belongs to the medical university. There was a time we debated whether it was economically wise to have two teaching hospitals in Bayelsa because the state already had the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital. However, necessity has shown us that a medical university must have its own teaching hospital," Diri stated.

Observers believe the new institution will significantly strengthen medical education, clinical training, healthcare research and specialist medical services in Bayelsa State and the wider Niger Delta region.

Meanwhile, Governor Diri used the occasion to announce a major shake-up in the state's football administration following the relegation of Bayelsa United Football Club from the Nigeria Premier Football League to the Nigerian National League.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the club's performance, the governor dissolved the board of the team and dismissed the entire technical crew.

He directed all affected officials, coaches and board members to immediately hand over all club properties in their possession to the Commissioner for Sports Development.

The governor also announced plans to constitute an interim management committee that would oversee the restructuring of the club and develop strategies for its immediate return to Nigeria's top-flight football league.

The decision underscores the administration's determination to restore Bayelsa United's competitiveness and ensure a stronger future for football development in the state.

Wednesday's developments marked one of the most significant policy days of Governor Diri's administration, with far-reaching implications for social justice, healthcare advancement and sports administration.

While the Disability Rights Law promises a future of greater inclusion and protection for vulnerable citizens, the establishment of the Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital is expected to boost healthcare delivery and medical education.

Together, the decisions signal a renewed commitment by the Bayelsa State Government to building a more inclusive, healthier and progressive society for all residents.