Persons with Disabilities have stepped up the advocacy for their inclusion in governance at all levels in the next dispensation. The All Rights Foundation Africa (TAFARICA) admonished stakeholders to intensify public awareness for the representation of PWDs in governance at a one-day strategic stakeholders’ roundtable meeting.

The stakeholders meeting which is on inclusivity held in Abuja and was supported by the European Union. The communique from the meeting noted that people with disability are victims of attitudinal barriers, physical accessibility and discrimination when seeking government positions

The communiqué, which was signed by the leaders of several PWD advocacy groups and political representatives, also condemned the limitation on inclusivity in the country, claiming that beyond the low representation of people with disabilities in government, PWDs in Nigeria also face professional challenges in their places of work.

The communique emphasized the need for effective policies that focus on developing initiatives that could be put in place to ensure PWDs have equal opportunities both inside and outside of governmental institutions.

As a result, the stakeholders identified the political parties as major players that can foster the inclusion of the disabilities into government appointive positions, recommending that they incorporate it into their political agenda for the elected office holders in the country

Maintaining the position that disability inclusion does not only align with the principles of equality and human rights but also contributes to better governance, more inclusive policies, and improved overall societal well-being, the roundtable further recommended that “a 10 percent of government appointive positions at the federal, state, and local government levels are allocated to individuals with disabilities and the establishment of a task force or a dedicated working group to actively influence and advocate the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in appointive positions”

According to the communiqué, the roundtable also demanded “a need for a concerted effort to provide widespread education and awareness programs for Persons with Disabilities. PWDs should be appointed to ministerial, ambassadorial, and heads of parastatal positions to promote inclusion and ensure that policies protecting PWDS are implemented.

“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. Partnership with the media is paramount in achieving all PWD desired goals