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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
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Inside the Joint EU Election Hub: How TAF Africa Tracked PWDs Participation in the Osun’s Election in Real Time

Adolak Events Hall, Osogbo, Osun State — 15th August 2026   When the polls opened across Osun State on 15 August 2026, thousands of voters with disabilities weren’t just showing up to cast a ballot — they were testing whether Nigeria’s electoral system was finally built for them too. Through a wide-reaching pre-election and election-day intervention, TAF Africa’s Able2Vote Campaign, implemented under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme, set out to answer that question with evidence rather than assumptions — and the results tell a story of real progress, alongside gaps that still demand attention. Breaking the Communication Barrier for Deaf Voters Perhaps the most tangible innovation was the deployment of 24 trained Sign Language Interpreters (SLIs) to 29 polling units across 12 LGAs, supporting 84 deaf voters on election day. Olorunda LGA alone accounted for 24 of those voters, while Ife Central, Osogbo, and Iwo rounded out the areas of highest concentration — together representing nearly two-thirds of all deaf voters reached. The data-driven approach — matching interpreter deployment to where deaf voters were actually registered — offers a replicable model. As one flexible deployment in Iwo showed (two interpreters covering five polling units), smart resource allocation can stretch limited capacity without leaving voters behind. Feedback from beneficiaries confirmed the impact: for many deaf voters, this was the first election where communication wasn’t a barrier to independent participation. What 150 Trained Observers Saw on Election Day To ground all of this in hard evidence, TAF Africa trained 150 election observers and deployed them, alongside its TAF Disability Hub App and a citizen eyewitness feature called The Third Eye, to document what was really happening at the polls. The numbers paint a nuanced picture: The good news •       94.3% of polling units were physically accessible to PWDs •       91.9% offered priority voting •       95.3% reported no harassment of PWD voters •       98.3% of votes were counted openly, and 94.6% of results were announced on-site •       97.66% of PWD voters who came to vote were able to do so The gaps that remain •       Braille ballot guides were available in just 22.8% of polling units; magnifying glasses in only 5.7% •       Only 46.3% of polling units had PWDs serving as INEC ad-hoc staff — and zero had observed PWD party agents •       Security personnel were present in just 46.3% of polling units •       78.1% of PWD voters relied on trusted aides rather than assistive devices or trained support •       Observers recorded 91 cases of PWD voters being induced, 23 cases of intimidation, and 40 incidents of violence around polling units   Indicator Positive Gap Physically accessible polling units 94.3% 5.7% not accessible Priority voting provided 91.9% 8.1% no priority voting No harassment of PWD voters 95.3% 4.7% harassment cases Votes counted openly 98.3% 1.7% not counted openly PWD INEC ad-hoc staff present 46.3% 53.7% no PWD staff PWD party agents observed 0% 100% no PWD party agent   The takeaway is clear: physical access to a polling unit is no longer the main battle. The next frontier is making sure PWDs can vote independently, are represented inside election structures, and are protected from manipulation that specifically targets their vulnerability. Stories the Statistics Can’t Tell Numbers aside, some of the most telling moments came from individual polling units. At Ile-Epo in Ward 4, a blind voter arrived with his wife’s assistance and later described the process as seamless — officials correctly completed the required Form EC40H to document his participation, a small but crucial act of accountability. Just a short distance away at Ataoja C PU 002, the story was different: officials seemed unfamiliar with the same form, producing other paperwork instead when asked about it. The same election, the same state, two very different experiences — a reminder that policy on paper means little without consistent training on the ground. At that same location, a wobbly wooden plank bridging an open drainage channel — the only route to where voter names were displayed — illustrated how accessibility gaps can hide in the details officials never think to check. The Road to 2027 With Nigeria’s next General Elections on the horizon in 2027, the report’s central message is a call to move from basic access to full, meaningful participation. Among the key recommendations: •       Institutionalize the provision of assistive devices and Sign Language Interpreters as standard election infrastructure, not a one-off intervention •       Set clear targets for recruiting qualified PWDs as election officials and party agents •       Conduct pre-election accessibility audits to catch physical barriers before voting day •       Strengthen disability-responsive security to protect PWD voters from intimidation and inducement •       Expand digital reporting tools like the Disability Hub App and Third Eye to make election monitoring faster and more evidence-based •       Embed PWD organizations directly into electoral planning, not just as consultees but as decision-makers The Bigger Picture The Osun State Governorship Election shows what’s possible when advocacy, technology, and stakeholder collaboration work in concert. Nearly all PWD voters who showed up were able to cast a ballot — a real achievement. But the same data reveals that acceptance at the ballot box hasn’t yet translated into representation within the system itself. Closing that gap — from voter to observer, from observer to official, from official to decision-maker — is the work that lies ahead as Nigeria looks toward 2027. This article is based on TAF Africa’s Osun State Governorship Election disability inclusion report, produced under the EU-SDGN Programme.

Call for Supply of Laptops and Office Chairs

TAF Africa, a leading disability inclusion organisation advancing the rights, inclusion, and meaningful participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in governance, democratic processes, education, and economic empowerment, is inviting quotations from competent and reputable vendors for the supply of laptops and ergonomic office chairs. This procurement is being carried out under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SGDN) Programme, Component 5B, to equip project staff with the tools they need to deliver on programme objectives. Objective To procure durable, high-performance laptops and ergonomic office chairs for project staff in line with the operational requirements of the EU-SGDN Programme, Component 5B. Scope of Supply S/N Item Minimum Specification Quantity 1 Laptop Computers Intel Core i7 (11th Gen or higher), 16GB RAM or higher, 500GB SSD or higher, backlit keyboard, touchscreen display, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, integrated webcam, original Windows 11 Professional (or latest version) 4 Units 2 Office Chairs High-back ergonomic design, adjustable seat height, adjustable armrests, lumbar support, breathable mesh or premium upholstery, five-wheel base, 360° swivel, gas lift mechanism 6 Units All equipment must be brand-new, come with a minimum one-year manufacturer warranty, and be delivered fully packaged with warranty documentation. Who Can Apply Interested vendors should be able to provide: Certificate of Incorporation (CAC) Valid Tax Clearance Certificate Company Profile demonstrating relevant experience Evidence of at least three similar supply contracts Manufacturer’s Authorization (where applicable) Evidence of warranty support Quotation in Nigerian Naira (NGN), inclusive of taxes, transport, and delivery costs Delivery timeline Evaluation Criteria Submissions will be assessed on compliance with technical specifications, vendor experience, product quality, delivery schedule, warranty and after-sales support, cost competitiveness, and completeness of documentation. Delivery and Payment The successful vendor must complete delivery within 14 calendar days of contract award or issuance of a Purchase Order. Payment will be made after successful delivery, inspection, acceptance of items, and submission of all required documentation. How to Submit Send the following by email: Financial quotation Pictures of items Years of warranty Required supporting documents Email subject line: “Supply of Laptops and Office Chairs” Send to: procurements@tafafrica.co Submission deadline: 12th August 2026 General Conditions TAF Africa reserves the right to accept or reject any quotation without assigning a reason. Submission of a quotation does not constitute a commitment to award a contract. Only shortlisted vendors will be contacted for further clarification or negotiation. All supplied equipment must be genuine, brand new, and free from defects.

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