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ENDING SOCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL MALTREATMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN NIGERIA.

ENDING SOCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL MALTREATMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN NIGERIA.

By Adeolu Kilanko,

As a development practitioner working around the inclusion of persons with disabilities in governance and developmental processes in Nigeria, I cannot overemphasize the known fact that the socio-economic exclusion challenges faced by these groups make them the poorest of the poor. They encounter barriers such as inadequate education, limited employment opportunities, and poor health outcomes, with the situation being particularly dire for women, children, and the elderly. Many are forced into street begging for survival, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and marginalization.

CHALLENGES COMBATTING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN NIGERIA 

Different studies and research have shown that PWDs in Nigeria are faced with numerous challenges. Working with them daily, I found that most persons with disabilities suffer widespread stigmas, which are exacerbated by issues such as Lack of Comprehensive Data which hampers effective governmental planning and resource allocation; inaccessible Environments with many public spaces and transportation options remain physically inaccessible; severely limited availability of assistive devices and technology; and discriminatory Attitudes – Societal prejudice leads to stigma, neglect, and sometimes abuse.

Despite the passage of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition (DaPWD) Act in January 2019, which aimed to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities, the realities on the ground reflect a continued prevalence of maltreatment and neglect.

     NEED FOR ACTION

With the expiration of the five-year transition period for implementing the Act in January 2024, it is crucial to confront the ongoing social and institutional maltreatment. As we commemorate the 2024 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the theme for this year, “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment Acting Together for Just, peaceful and Inclusive Societies” is a call for a concerted effort from all sectors—government, private, religious, and traditional institutions, organizations of persons with disabilities etc – to ensure the meaningful inclusion of over 35 million persons with disabilities in anti-poverty strategies. Below are some of my recommendations to bring about the desired change.

      RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGE

  1. Review and Implement the National Policy on Disability (2018): A robust strategy is needed to integrate persons with disabilities into all facets of governmental planning and development.
  2. Involve Persons with Disabilities in Government Processes: Ensure their participation in policymaking, following the principle of “Nothing about us without us.”
  3. Improve Data Collection: Establish reliable, disability-disaggregated data systems to address the needs of various disability groups effectively.
  4. Enhance Awareness: Increase public understanding of disability issues and the rights of persons with disabilities as outlined in the DaPWD Act.
  5. Modify Public Infrastructure: Ensure that public buildings and transportation systems are accessible, in compliance with the DaPWD Act.
  6. Empower Disability-Focused Organizations: Provide resources and support to organizations serving persons with disabilities and their caregivers.
  7. Improve Coordination Among Agencies: Foster collaboration among ministries and between government and non-governmental organizations to enhance disability inclusion.
  8. Prioritize the Welfare of Vulnerable Groups: Address the unique needs of persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, particularly in emergencies.
  9. Share Best Practices: Promote successful initiatives across regions and sectors to encourage improvement and innovation in disability inclusion.
  10. Promote Access to Assistive Devices: Support local production and distribution of assistive technologies through favourable policies and investments.

         CONCLUSION

The fight against social and institutional maltreatment of persons with disabilities in Nigeria requires a collective and sustained effort. I believe that by adopting these recommendations, Nigeria can work towards creating a just, peaceful, and inclusive society where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to thrive.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

 

Adeolu Kilanko is the Programme Manager for TAF Africa

 

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Consultant – Documentary Consultant

Job Title: Consultancy: Production of Documentary on the PWD Legislative Internship Programme Location : Abuja Employment Type : Contract Duration : 2 weeks TAF Africa is an independent non-governmental/not-for profit organization originally established to promote health, socio-economic rights, well-being, and empowerment of persons with albinism. The organization has since evolved to become a focus organization that advocates for the recognition and respect of the rights, socio-economic and political inclusion of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria and the around the World. The foundation contributes to legislative and policy action that promotes the rights of PWDs, and effective mainstreaming of inclusion. Background TAF Africa is seeking the services of a skilled and experienced documentary filmmaker or production company to produce a high-quality, compelling documentary on its PWD Legislative Internship Programme. Funded by the European Union through its Support to democratic Governaance in Nigeria EU-SDGN) programmes, the programme deployed 10 persons with disabilities (PWDs) as legislative interns to various committees within the National Assembly. The documentary will capture the impact of the programme on the interns’ personal and professional development, as well as its contribution to disability inclusion within the legislative process. The goal is to tell the stories of transformation, empowerment, and institutional progress resulting from this intervention — highlighting outcomes, challenges overcome, and future possibilities. Objectives To highlight how the programme contributed to shaping inclusive legislative practices and deepening the participation of PWDs in governance. To highlight how the European Union is entrenching disability-inclusive legislative practice through its SDGN programme. To amplify the interns’ personal growth stories, professional achievements, and the perspectives of mentors and legislative stakeholders. To inspire policymakers, donors, civil society, and the public through storytelling that affirms the value of inclusion. Scope of Work The consultant will be required to: Conduct interviews with interns, committee members, and other key stakeholders. Capture B-roll footage within the National Assembly and, where relevant, other locations such as the interns’ communities or workplaces. Film, edit, deliver and support the scripting of a 15–30 minutes documentary suitable for broadcast, events, and digital platforms. Provide subtitles and engage the services of a sign language interpreter. Submit a short promotional teaser and still photographs from the shoot. Other services provision: At the end of this assignment, a compelling documentary should be produced. Specifically, the following output will be generated by the consultant: One fully produced documentary (15–30 minutes) telling the story of the PWD Legislative Internship Programme. One trailer (1–2 minutes) for promotional use. A selection of still images from filming. All raw footage and project files are submitted on a hard drive or via cloud. A letter assigning all intellectual property rights in the documentary to TAF Africa. QualificationsThe consultant must have proven experience in documentary storytelling with a focus on governance, inclusion, social impact, or human rights. Demonstrated ability to capture and communicate emotionally engaging, human-centered stories. Access to professional-grade video, sound, and editing equipment. Ability to deliver a polished final product within a tight timeframe. Experience working respectfully with marginalized groups, particularly persons with disabilities, is highly desirable. How To ApplyInterested and qualified candidates should send their application to procurements@tafafrica.co with the subject line “Consultancy: Production of Documentary on the PWD Legislative Internship.”Applications must include: A one-page proposal outlining your creative approach to the documentary. Samples of previous work (preferably similar thematic or visual storytelling projects). A proposed budget or indicative cost for the project. Application Deadline: 16th July 2025 Diversity and Inclusion: TAF Africa strongly encourages applications from women and persons with disabilities. All submissions will be handled with the highest level of confidentiality.

DISABILITY INCLUSION RADIO: Learning Governance Up Close – PWD Interns Share Their National Assembly

Two of our PWD interns, Barrister Rex Eramah and Eunice U Nwokocha, joined our host, Jennifer Ogor, on Radio Nigeria (FRCN) to reflect on their journey so far; the lessons they’re learning, the systems they’re observing, and how this rare opportunity is shaping their perspectives as advocates for inclusive governance. With funding from the European Union in Nigeria through its European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria programme, we deployed 10 young persons with disabilities to the National Assembly for a 3-month internship programme. The goal is to expose them to legislative practices and processes while promoting disability inclusion within governance spaces. Now, nine weeks into the programme, these interns are not only gaining firsthand experience inside the House of Representatives but are also participating in fieldwork that connects policy to real-life issues. Join our next conversation live next week on Radio Nigeria and Facebook Live! Watch today’s show on youtube! https://youtu.be/15EcGzhQ3zs

Reflection Meeting on Finding of the Political Inclusion Index

In this episode, we opened the door to a conversation that’s both deeply personal for our guest and nationally urgent: Inclusive Education. In 2023, Nigeria adopted a renewed National Policy on Inclusive Education, a step that could potentially change everything if properly implemented. Keep a date with us on the 6th of June.

DISABILITY INCLUSION RADIO: Learning Governance Up Close – PWD Interns Share Their National Assembly Journey

Tomorrow at 10:00 am, two of our PWD interns will join us on Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria to reflect on their journey so far; the lessons they’re learning, the systems they’re observing, and how this rare opportunity is shaping their perspectives as advocates for inclusive governance. With funding from the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, through its support to democratic governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), we deployed 10 young persons with disabilities to the National Assembly for a 3-month internship programme. The goal is to expose them to legislative practices and processes while promoting disability inclusion within governance spaces. Now, nine weeks into the programme, these interns are not only gaining firsthand experience inside the House of Representatives but are also participating in fieldwork that connects policy to real-life issues. Keep a date with us on the 11th of July. ALSO FEATURED: MAKING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION A REALITY IN NIGERIA with Shamsiyyah Umar – Watch, LIke, Comment Below!

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