Abuja, Nigeria — July 2025
In a powerful affirmation of Nigeria’s growing commitment to inclusive governance, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in collaboration with TAF Africa and the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGN), marked the successful conclusion of the Legislative Internship Program for Persons with Disabilities with a high-level reflection meeting held in Abuja.
The event, which brought together distinguished guests, disability rights advocates, policymakers, and representatives of development partners, served as both a celebration and a critical evaluation of a groundbreaking initiative that has empowered young persons with disabilities to engage directly with Nigeria’s legislative processes.
Delivering a deeply heartfelt and inspiring goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, lauded the vision behind the program and praised the resilience of the interns who successfully completed the internship.
“This is more than just the end of a program; it is the dawn of a new era for inclusive democracy in Nigeria,” Gufwan said. “These interns have not merely observed governance—they have contributed to it, and that is a powerful thing.”
The Legislative Internship Program, implemented by TAF Africa and generously supported by the EUSDGN project, was designed to provide hands-on legislative experience for young persons with disabilities. The goal: to bridge the representation gap by equipping participants with skills, knowledge, and access that enable them to shape national development policies from within.
According to the NCPWD Executive Secretary, the program is a vivid reminder that inclusion must not remain a buzzword or symbolic statement—it must be translated into tangible action.
“What we have witnessed here is the transformational impact of intentional inclusion. This internship is not charity. It is justice. It is the recognition of rights, of potential, and of equality,” he emphasized.
Gufwan praised TAF Africa for its unwavering commitment to promoting the rights and visibility of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s democratic space. He equally commended the European Union through the EUSDGN project for their strategic support in funding and promoting the initiative.
Participants in the internship had the rare opportunity to walk the hallowed halls of the National Assembly—not as passive observers, but as active contributors to legislative work. Through this exposure, they gained insights into bill drafting, policy analysis, committee functions, and citizen engagement, while also providing unique perspectives on disability-inclusive policymaking.
Reflecting on the significance of their contribution, Hon. Gufwan encouraged the interns to continue in their advocacy, deepen their engagement with democratic processes, and take bold steps toward leadership in all spheres of life.
“You have walked the corridors of power. You have planted seeds of equity in places where silence once prevailed. Your knowledge, networks, and courage will shape a future that is accessible and just,” he declared.
He further reiterated the unwavering commitment of NCPWD to ensure the full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, and to collaborate with relevant partners to deepen inclusive governance at all levels.
In his concluding remarks, Hon. Gufwan called on all stakeholders—government, civil society, development partners, and the private sector—to build on the momentum of the internship and continue investing in the capacities of persons with disabilities.
“Let us not stop here. Let this be the beginning of more initiatives that not only open doors but remove barriers. Our democracy can only be truly representative when all voices are heard—and that includes the voices of persons with disabilities,” he concluded.
The reflection meeting was not just a review of progress—it was a clarion call for continuity, scale, and sustainability. The young interns stood proud—no longer on the sidelines of governance, but firmly within the fold of those shaping Nigeria’s future.
As Nigeria moves toward a more inclusive and participatory democracy, initiatives like the Legislative Internship Program stand as shining examples of what is possible when rights-based development is placed at the center of national policy.
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