Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are expressing their dissatisfaction over the exclusion of members from their community in President Bola Tinubu’s recent ministerial appointment list. In a media conference held on Tuesday in Abuja, under the banner of the Community of PWDs, the group highlighted that this omission contradicts the Discrimination Against PWDs Prohibition Act of 2018.

According to the group, the Act stipulates that a minimum of five percent of public office appointments should be reserved for PWDs. This legal requirement, designed to promote inclusivity, was unfortunately disregarded in the recent appointments to the Federal Executive Council.

Mr. Jake Epelle, the Chief Executive Officer of The Albino Foundation (TAF) Africa, emphasized that the absence of PWD representation in the new cabinet constitutes a missed opportunity to advance equality and justice for PWDs within Nigeria. Prior to the establishment of the cabinet, PWDs, their representative organizations, and the House of Representatives had collectively advocated for the allocation of ten percent of ministerial positions to individuals with disabilities.

Despite these concerted efforts and appeals, the cabinet list submitted for Senate screening and approval contains no ministers identifying as PWDs. Multiple PWD organizations, along with political leaders and the international community, had previously urged President Tinubu to appoint PWDs as ministers. There were even discussions about the potential establishment of a dedicated ministry for disability affairs.

However, the absence of PWDs in the new cabinet list has dashed the hopes and expectations nurtured during these discussions. Ms. Grace Jerry of Inclusive Friends Association stressed that if the president genuinely identifies with the PWD community, it is time to align his agenda with theirs.

Given the current 48 nominees, the PWD community believes that additional allowances can be created to accommodate more PWDs in ministerial roles. They are urging the government to enforce Section 29 of the Discrimination Against PWDs Prohibition Act of 2018, which mandates a minimum of five percent appointment quota for PWDs at all levels, including state levels.

The PWD community is calling for constructive and inclusive dialogue with President Tinubu and relevant governmental authorities to address their concerns and aspirations. This dialogue aims to ensure the active participation of PWDs in decision-making processes pertaining to policies that directly or indirectly impact them.

To emphasize their seriousness, the PWD community has set a seven-day timeline for addressing their concerns. They warn that if their demands are not met, they will escalate their advocacy efforts, potentially involving peaceful assemblies, legal actions aligned with the 2018 Act, and engagement with local and global media partners to underscore the significance of disability representation in governance.

Advocating for PWD inclusion in the governance process, including appointments to ministerial and commissioner positions, has been a consistent goal for PWDs in Nigeria.