0806 673 1702

990 NAL Boulevard, Central Business District Abuja
info@tafafrica.co
Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin Instagram
GIVE

COMMUNITY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES JOINT PRESS RELEASE

Towards Inclusive Governance: An Urgent Call for the Appointment of Persons with Disabilities in President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration
The recent ministerial list proposed by President Bola Tinubu has unfortunately overlooked the integral role that persons with disabilities can and should play in Nigerian governance. This omission is not in accordance with the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities Prohibition Act, 2018 which calls for the inclusion of at least 5% of persons with disabilities in public office appointments. The current lack of representation in the Federal Executive Council marks a missed opportunity to advance equality and justice for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
Prior to the establishment of this cabinet, persons with disabilities, as well as their representative organizations, and the House of Representatives had lobbied for the allocation of 10% of Ministerial positions to individuals with disabilities. Regrettably, despite this concerted effort and appeal, the new cabinet list presented to the Senate for screening and approval includes no ministers identifying as persons with disabilities.
Including persons with disabilities in key governmental positions has tremendous societal benefits. Not only does it affirm our commitment to equality, but it also fosters a more inclusive society that truly represents the diversity of our citizenry. Persons with disabilities bring unique perspectives and experiences to decision-making processes, ensuring that policies and strategies are reflective of and responsive to, the needs and rights of all Nigerians.
This commitment to diversity is codified in the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities Prohibition Act, of 2018, which promotes the rights of persons with disabilities and explicitly prohibits discrimination. By adhering to this Act, Nigeria can strengthen its commitment to human rights and establish an exemplary standard of inclusivity.
Several Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), alongside other political leaders including the international community, had previously called upon President Tinubu to appoint persons with disabilities as ministers. There was even a discussion about the possible creation of a dedicated ministry for disability affairs.
Regrettably, the absence of persons with disabilities in the new cabinet list deflates the hope and anticipation fostered by these discussions.
We are deeply concerned by this oversight, and we, the undersigned representatives of the disability community, wish to draw attention to our immediate demands:
1. Immediate appointment of persons with disabilities into Ministerial positions at the National level and Commissioner positions at state levels.
2. The enforcement of Section 29 of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 which provides to the effect that a minimum of 5% appointment quota for persons with disabilities at all levels of government, including states.
3. Convene a constructive and inclusive dialogue with President Bola Tinubu and relevant governmental authorities to discuss the concerns and aspirations of persons with disabilities.
4. Ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes concerning policies that directly or indirectly affect them e.g., the palliative committee on subsidy removal.
In the spirit of constructive dialogue and our shared commitm
ent to democratic values, we kindly present a timeline of seven (7) days, hoping to see the initiation of measures that address our enumerated concerns. Should the period pass without observable progress, we would feel compelled, albeit reluctantly, to amplify our advocacy efforts. These might encompass peaceful assemblies, exploring legal avenues in alignment with the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities Prohibition Act, 2018, and fostering conversations with both local and global media partners to emphasize the importance of disability representation in governance. Our dedication to inclusive participation remains steadfast, and we earnestly hope for collaborative action in this endeavor.
There is a wealth of untapped potential within Nigeria's disability community that we, as a nation, must harness. Countless individuals with disabilities possess not only the required knowledge and skills but also the fortitude and resilience born from their unique life experiences, making them exceptionally qualified to serve in various capacities. Far from being mere symbols of diversity, these individuals are capable leaders who can drive change, foster innovation, and contribute significantly to our nation's progress. It is high time we move past misconceptions and biases, opening our minds and our government to the rich diversity and talent that exists within the disability community. Inclusion is not charity; it's a compelling imperative for a stronger, more representative, and effective governance.
Inclusive governance is not just about representation; it is about embracing the rich tapestry of experiences within our populace and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their physical or cognitive capabilities, have an equal opportunity to contribute to the nation's progress. As such, we eagerly await a swift rectification in the spirit of equality, inclusivity, and social justice.
Signed By:
1. TAF Africa
2. Disability Rights Advocacy Center (DRAC)
3. Inclusive Friends Association (IFA)
4. Center for Ability, Rehabilitation, and Empowerment (CARE)
5. Freky Andrew-Essien Care Foundation (FAECARE Foundation)
6. The Qualitative Magazine
7. Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN)
8. Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD)
9. National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD)
10. CEDARSEED FOUNDATION
11. Network of Women with Disabilities
12. Alliance for Inclusion
See Insights and Ads
Boost post
All reactions:
3

More Posts

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.

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn