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COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE ONE-DAY ON STAKEHOLDER’S STRATEGIC ROUNDTABLE ON THE ABLE TO SERVE CAMPAIGN

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE ONE-DAY ON STAKEHOLDER’S STRATEGIC ROUNDTABLE ON THE ABLE TO SERVE CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY TAF AFRICA WITH SUPPORT FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION, HELD AT THE ABUJA CONTINENTAL HOTEL (FORMERLY SHERATON HOTEL) ABUJA ON THURSDAY, THE 18TH DAY OF MAY 2023 TAF Africa is pleased to share the communique of the roundtable discussion held on May 18th, 2023, focusing on the crucial topic of "Disability Inclusion in the Appointment of Cabinet Members: A Call for Inclusive Government." This event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, disability rights advocates, representatives from disability organizations, and experts in the field, to engage in a meaningful dialogue regarding the promotion and advancement of Disability inclusive appointments at the national and subnational cabinets of the incoming government. This statement serves to provide important updates, decisions, and key information regarding the roundtable. The following Organizations were present at the roundtable:
  • National Democratic Institute (NDI)
  • Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD)
  • National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD)
  • Organization of Persons with disabilities (OPDs)
  • National Association of the Blind (NAB)
  • Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN)
  • Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD)
  • The Center for ability rehabilitation and Empowerment (CARE) in Nigeria
  • Inclusive Friends Association (IFA)
  • Amputee Coalition of Nigeria (ACON)
The roundtable aimed to accomplish the following objectives:
  1. Raise awareness: The discussion sought to intensify public awareness of the need for PWD inclusion in government appointive positions. It emphasized the benefits of diverse representation, the impact of inclusive policies, and the need to dismantle barriers that hinder the participation of persons with disabilities in government.
  2. Identify challenges: Participants engaged in a comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities when seeking government positions. These challenges encompassed attitudinal barriers, physical accessibility limitations, discriminatory appointment practices, and limited opportunities for career advancement.
  3. Share best practices: The roundtable provided a platform for sharing successful strategies and best practices in promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in government positions. Participants had the opportunity to showcase initiatives that have yielded positive outcomes in terms of accessibility, recruitment, appointment, retention, and advancement of Persons with disabilities.
  4. Policy formulation: Recognizing the need for effective policies, the roundtable focused on developing recommendations for governments at all levels to enhance disability inclusion. Participants discussed policy measures that could be implemented to ensure equal opportunities for PWDs, and inclusivity within governmental institutions.
Key outcomes and recommendations from the roundtable discussion include:
  1. That awareness and sensitization should be created to ensure the appointment of Persons with Disabilities in compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
  2. The PWD community should continuously strengthen its advocacy efforts to further promote the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities.
  3. Political parties have a significant role to play in facilitating the appointment of individuals with disabilities into government appointive positions.
  4. It is recommended to establish a task force or a dedicated working group to actively influence and advocate the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in appointive positions.
  5. There is a strong demand for ensuring that 10 percent of government appointive positions at the federal, state, and local government levels are allocated to individuals with disabilities. There is a need for a concerted effort to provide widespread education and awareness programs for Persons with Disabilities.
  6. PWDs should be appointed to ministerial, ambassadorial, and heads of parastatal positions to promote inclusion and ensure that policies protecting PWDS are implemented.
  7. All Political parties should mainstream PWD in their constitution to include membership of NWC and NEC and establish disability desks to ensure the inclusion of PWDs in all levels of political activities.
  8. Partnership with the media is paramount in achieving all PWD desired goals.
The roundtable concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to actively promote disability inclusion in government positions. It was acknowledged that disability inclusion not only aligns with the principles of equality and human rights but also contributes to better governance, more inclusive policies, and improved overall societal well-being. In closing, the participants expressed their gratitude to the organizers for convening the roundtable and acknowledged that this important dialogue would contribute to shaping inclusive policies and practices within government institutions. The communique was signed by: Hajiya Amina Zakari Haruna Muhammad Tsafe, Vice President, NNAD Kenneth Echiche, Nigeria Association of the Blind Chukwunelo Eva, Public Relations Officer Amputee Coalition of Nigeria Chukwunyere Kelsey Nwosu, Comm. Officer, Amputee Coalition of Nigeria Aver Akighir, National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD) Sedoo Toryem, Integration, Dignity, Economic Advancement (IDEA Nigeria) Dr. Chris Nwanoro, Lotus Institute for the Blind Amy Onyinyechi Omumere, Legal and Programme Associate, (CISLAC) Maureen Chioma, Chairman, Spinal Cord Injury Association, FCT Chapter Hon. Mohammad Abbah Isah, APC Zonal Leader Hon. Abdullahi Akilu, PDP PWD Leader Lois Auta, Executive Director Cedar Seed Foundation Stephen Idoko, Inclusive Friends Association Christian Agbo, Executive Director, Qualitative Magazine Dr. Chike Okogwu, Former Presidential Candidate of the ADC and Founder of CARE Nigeria Ambassador Jake Epelle, CEO/founder, TAF Africa Olayemi Samuel, Programmes Lead, TAF Africa    

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Announcing…DemoCrazy

What happens when the headlines make you laugh, sigh, and question everything at the same time? You get DemoCrazy, the bold new podcast from the CEO and Founder of TAF Africa, Amb. Jake Epelle. In a country where politics often feels like theatre, DemoCrazy pulls back the curtain, not with long speeches, but with sharp, 60 to 120-second episodes that cut straight to the heart of the issue. With satire as his scalpel and wit as his voice, Amb. Epelle dissects the political moments shaping Nigeria today, exposing contradictions, questioning leadership, and providing a serious reminder that democracy is not a spectator sport. Beyond just commentary and humour, the DemoCrazy is clarity and its accountability. It’s a civic wake-up call. Each episode delivers a powerful reminder: behind every absurd headline are real people, real rights, and real consequences, especially for marginalized communities, including persons with disabilities, whose voices must never be drowned out by political noise. Why DemoCrazy matters now more than ever: It makes politics accessible, engaging, and impossible to ignore. It challenges citizens to think, question, and stay informed. It transforms frustration into awareness, and awareness into action. Democracy works best when citizens are informed, alert, and engaged. DemoCrazy invites you to listen, reflect, and share. Listen, laugh, think, act. Follow Jake Epelle’s social media platforms, subscribe when episodes drop, and share with your networks. Because when citizens pay attention, democracy becomes less “DemoCrazy” and more powerful. Subscribe now and join the conversation. Your voice matters, your awareness matters, and your engagement could make all the difference. Facebook X-twitter Youtube Linkedin

Citizen’s Townhall on Electoral Act 2026

Electoral Act 2026: What it means for your vote and the 2027 Elections.  On Sunday, 1st of March, 2026, at 7:30 PM, the Civil Society Network on Electoral Integrity is convening a townhall which aims to move the conversation beyond elite policy circles and create an open, interactive platform where citizens can engage directly with experts and institutional stakeholders. Join the live broadcast on Channels TV, Arise News, News Central, AIT, RayPower FM, and Nigeria Info FM. The question? Will Nigeria’s new Electoral Act 2026 reshape how votes are cast, counted, and protected come 2027? 🔗 Join Us.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: ToR for Disability Inclusion Survey in Public and Private Schools

TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR) DISABILITY INCLUSION SURVEY IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN SELECTED COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE THREE SENATORIAL DISTRICTS OF RIVERS STATE 1.1 About TAF Africa TAF Africa is an independent, non-governmental, and not-for-profit organization originally established to promote health, socio-economic rights, well-being, and empowerment of persons with albinism. Over time, TAF Africa has evolved into a leading disability rights organization advocating for the recognition, protection, and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria. The organization actively contributes to legislative reforms, policy development, and advocacy initiatives that promote disability inclusion, mainstreaming, and effective participation of persons with disabilities in governance, development, and public life. 1.2 Project Background The Enhancing Disability-Inclusive Governance project, funded by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF) and implemented by TAF Africa in Rivers State, aims to strengthen disability-inclusive governance at the sub-national level in Rivers State, focusing on the education, health, and justice sectors. The intervention responds to the delayed domestication and operationalization of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, and seeks to address systemic discrimination, stigma, exclusion, and limited access to essential services faced by persons with disabilities.   The project aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 4 (Quality Education), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). 2.1 Rationale for the Assignment Persons with disabilities in Nigeria face significant educational barriers, including inaccessible infrastructure, limited availability of trained inclusive education teachers, weak policy implementation, and poor data availability. These challenges are particularly pronounced in public schools and rural communities. Evidence-based data is therefore essential for: Informing advocacy and policy engagement Improving planning and budgeting processes Strengthening inclusive education programming Tracking progress toward inclusive governance This assignment aims to gather robust baseline data on disability inclusion in public and private schools across Rivers State’s three senatorial districts, capturing the experiences of students with disabilities, their parents/caregivers, teachers, school administrators, and relevant government officials. 2.2. Overview of the Assignment TAF Africa seeks to engage a qualified consultant or consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive Disability Inclusion Survey in selected public and private schools across Rivers State, covering three senatorial districts, with emphasis on urban and rural schools within the State Capital and surrounding communities. The assignment will involve: Mapping disability inclusion practices Assessing accessibility, learning outcomes, teaching capacity, and policy compliance Identifying systemic barriers and opportunities Generating evidence for advocacy, policy reform, and inclusive programming 2.3. Objectives of the Assignment This assignment aims to assess the level, quality, and effectiveness of disability inclusion in public and private schools across selected communities in Rivers State, to inform advocacy, policy reform, and inclusive governance interventions. Specifically, this survey is designed to: Assess physical, institutional, pedagogical, and attitudinal accessibility of schools for students with disabilities. Examine the availability and capacity of trained teachers and inclusive education resources. Evaluate policy awareness and implementation of disability-inclusive education standards. Document lived experiences of students with disabilities and their caregivers. Identify barriers, best practices, and opportunities for improving inclusive education systems. Develop actionable recommendations for government, civil society, donors, and education stakeholders. 2.4. Scope of Work In an effort to achieve the above objectives, the consultant shall undertake, but not be limited to, the following tasks: 2.5. Study Design and Methodology The consultant shall develop a comprehensive mixed-method research design incorporating: Quantitative surveys Qualitative interviews Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) Observation of school accessibility and attitudes 2.6. Geographical Coverage All three senatorial districts of Rivers State Minimum of 2 rural schools in each senatorial district and 2 urban schools within the State Capital 2.7. Target Groups Students with disabilities Parents/caregivers Teachers and school administrators Education ministry officials SUBEB officials School proprietors (private schools)   2.8. Key Questions, among others, to be considered by the consultant What is the current status of disability inclusion in schools across Rivers State? How accessible are school infrastructures and learning environments? What capacity gaps exist among teachers and school administrators? What institutional, cultural, and policy barriers limit inclusion? What interventions are required to strengthen inclusive education governance?   2.9. Data Collection The consultant is expected to develop and deploy ethically compliant data collection tools, train enumerators where necessary, and systematically administer surveys and interviews to ensure the collection of high-quality, reliable data. Throughout the process, apply inclusive approaches that actively engage individuals across diverse disability types (physical, visual, hearing, intellectual, psychosocial, and multiple disabilities) so that findings accurately reflect varied experiences and perspectives without bias. 3.1. Reporting and Dissemination Produce high-quality analytical reports Develop advocacy-oriented policy briefs Facilitate stakeholder reflection and validation workshops 3.2. Expected Outputs and Deliverables Output Description Inception Report Methodology, sampling plan, tools, workplan, ethical considerations Survey Instruments Final questionnaires, interview guides, observation checklists Clean Dataset Disaggregated and anonymized survey data Draft Report Analytical findings and recommendations Final Report Comprehensive research report Policy Brief Advocacy-focused summary for policymakers Stakeholder Reflection Workshop Validation and dissemination session 4.1. Use of Findings The findings will be used to: Inform advocacy and engagement with Rivers State Government Support legislative reforms and policy formulation Guide inclusive education programming Strengthen donor engagement Improve disability-inclusive budgeting in Rivers state 4.2. Institutional Arrangement The consultant shall: Work closely with the Senior M&E Officer under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager, DRF at TAF Africa. Submit all deliverables for review, validation, and approval through a joint meeting with the consultant and TAF Africa team. Participate in coordination and technical review meetings as required. 4.3. Duration of Assignment: 6 weeks 4.4. Reporting Timeline and Payment Schedule Output Timeline Payment Inception Report Within 2 weeks of contract signing 60% Final Report & Outputs Within 4 weeks after approval of the inception report 40%   5.1. Required Qualifications and Experience The lead Consultant should have at least 15 years of proven experience in disability research, governance, or inclusive development. s/he should possess a PhD or MSc in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, Education,

Civil Society Statement on Harmonization of the Electoral Bill by the National Assembly

This statement is issued in furtherance of our earlier statement issued on February 5 in which we expressed deep concerns over the Senate’s rejection of electronic transmission of election results and use of downloaded missing or unissued voter cards for elections, as well as shortening of critical electoral timelines Read more… Unable to display PDF file. Download instead.

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