Abuja, Nigeria – A town hall meeting in Abuja yesterday brought together key stakeholders and the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform to discuss the urgent need for a more inclusive tax system that empowers over 35 million Nigerians with disabilities (PWDs).
Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, led the call for tax policies that promote social justice by alleviating the financial burdens faced by PWDs. He proposed significant reforms, including tax reliefs for PWDs and caregivers, corporate incentives for disability-inclusive employment, VAT exemptions on assistive devices, and direct representation of PWDs in tax policy decisions.
“The tax system should empower, not marginalize, Nigerians with disabilities. Policies must recognize their unique challenges, from high medical costs to employment barriers,” Hon. Isa stated.
The high-level meeting featured notable dignitaries, including: Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda – Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Hon. (Dr.) Bashir Dawodu – Chairman, House Committee on Disability Affairs, Dr. Taiwo Oyedele – Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform, Dr. Jake Epelle – Founder/CEO, TAF Africa, Dr. Chike Okogwu – Founder, CARE Foundation, Femi Falana (SAN) – Prominent Human Rights Lawyer, Lois Auta-Udonkanta – Founder, Network of Women with Disabilities.
Many stakeholders backed these recommendations, with some advocating for a total tax exemption for PWDs, citing global best practices. The discussion marked a critical step toward shaping a fair and inclusive tax system that supports Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
The meeting’s outcomes are expected to influence forthcoming tax policy reforms, ensuring that fiscal policies align with the principles of social inclusion and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities.
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