With support from Sightsavers and TAF Africa, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) launched the Framework for the National Access to Work Scheme for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria. This initiative aims to support the full implementation of the relevant provisions of the Disability Act by fostering a collaborative approach with the organized private business sector. The Scheme is designed to provide technical and material support to private-sector employers, ensuring that qualified PWDs have equal employment opportunities in Nigeria. The Framework mandates the government and private sector to pool resources together to eliminate barriers preventing PWDs from accessing formal employment opportunities.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Chief Ayuba Gufwan, expressed profound gratitude to Sightsavers, TAF Africa, and other partners for their support in developing and launching the Access to Work Framework. He announced that the Commission would immediately inaugurate the Implementation Committee for the Scheme, consisting of representatives from NCPWD, relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), the private sector, international development partners, and organizations of PWDs. This Committee will develop an Implementation and Monitoring Framework for the Scheme, ensuring it is effectively executed.
Chief Gufwan also disclosed that within six months, the first set of beneficiaries would receive their awards under the Scheme. To demonstrate the Commission’s dedication, he pledged N50 million for the immediate take-off of the initiative. These funds will be used to procure assistive devices and technologies, as well as provide other technical support to private sector employers willing to integrate PWDs into their workforce.
“I’m therefore pleased to inform you that the NCPWD is poised to take the bull by the horns by committing to the full implementation of this National Framework on Access to Work for PWDs. As such, the Commission shall commit a sum of fifty million naira (N50,000,000) for the immediate take-off of the Scheme,” Chief Gufwan stated.
TAF Africa’s Senior Programme Officer, Mr. George Anwayi, emphasized that the private sector stands to gain significantly by employing persons with disabilities, benefiting from their diverse skills and knowledge. He urged private-sector employers to make commitments like that of NCPWD to deepen the implementation of the Framework.
In his goodwill message, former Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Mr. James Lalu, acknowledged that the development of the Framework commenced during his tenure and expressed his continued dedication to disability inclusion. He pointed out that employment for PWDs should not be limited to formal job roles but should also extend to entrepreneurship and business opportunities. He commended TAF Africa for its efforts in ensuring the realization of this crucial policy.
The launch event was attended by key stakeholders from various organizations, all of whom expressed their support for the initiative. Mr. Abdullahi Usman, National President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), highlighted that systemic gaps have historically prevented PWDs from accessing employment and expressed excitement that the Framework addresses these issues.
Mrs. Olubukola Odesola, representing the Director General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), reaffirmed NECA’s commitment to promoting disability inclusion in workplaces and pledged to encourage member organizations to support the initiative.
Mr. Funmi Onasanya, Head of Advocacy and Stakeholder Relations at the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), described the launch as a significant milestone. He assured that CIPM would prioritize the implementation of the Framework across multiple organizations to ensure its sustainability.
Ms. Maria Akinsanya, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator at Sterling Bank, expressed enthusiasm for further collaborations aimed at promoting disability inclusion in the workplace.
Mrs. Vivian Omorogbe, Head of Employee Experience, Diversity & Inclusion at MTN Nigeria, stated that MTN was part of the Framework’s validation process and is committed to ensuring its successful implementation.
Dr. Joy Shu’aibu, Country Director of Sightsavers, commended all contributors who made the development and launch of the Framework possible. She described the event as a major milestone in increasing employment opportunities for PWDs in the private sector and emphasized the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in making the initiative a success. “Today is a milestone that shows our shared responsibility,” Dr. Shu’aibu remarked.
With the commitment of NCPWD, private sector employers, and development partners, the initiative is expected to create a more equitable work environment, where PWDs can thrive without barriers. As implementation begins, stakeholders remain optimistic that this Framework will set a precedent for sustainable disability inclusion across Nigeria’s employment scene.
