TQM report,
Nigeria Association of the Blind FCT Chapter paid an advocacy visit to the Permanent secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration(FCTA), advocating for the employment of persons with disabilities in line with section 29 of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.
This advocacy visit was part of NAB FCT’s activities under her project on Access to employment by persons with disabilities in the FCT supported by Disability Rights Fund (DRF)
The Project manager at NAB FCT, Mr. Obinna Ekujereonye in his speech stated that the purpose of the visit was to enlighten FCTA on need to implement 5% employment opportunity for PWDs as it is enshrined in Section 29 of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 and Article 27 of United Nations Convention on the rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Speaking further, he said that after acquiring all the certificates, PWDs still find it difficult to get employed in equal basis with others. He cited example with himself and other members of his team who could not secure jobs after acquiring certificates up to Masters level.
He reminded that in spite of these challenges associated with disability coupled with inability to secure jobs, PWDs still go to the same market with others with other extra costs associated with disability.
He urged FCTA to see it as matter of urgency to implement the 5% employment opportunities and ensure that there is reasonable accommodation for them at the workplace because it is now a matter of right not privilege.
“PWDs deserve more than the 5% quota but let first start this and implement it” he added.
He expressed displeasure over the inaccessibility of over 80% of offices belonging to FCTA, and he queried if the Administration ever wish to have PWDs in their workforce. He lamented that even the Permanent Secretary Office lack ramps and lifts so how can a wheelchair user work in such an environment.
He reminded that there is five years’ transitory period for every agency to modify the existing building to be accessible for PWDs and almost three years is over and PWDs don’t want to take up the option of litigation to get the organizations to comply. It would be appropriate that organization comply beforehand to enhance the inclusion of PWDs.
The Representative of the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Udo-Samuel Atang, a Director at FCTA in his response said that he has taken note of all the key advocacy messages and promised to work with other relevant officers such as the Secretary, Social Development Secretariat(SDS) and Director, Human Resources to come up with something concert to present to the Permanent Secretary.
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He recalled that when FCTA staff with Disabilities visited the former Permanent Secretary, he gave a directive that ramps should be provided in all offices and the process is still on and other measures were also taken to ensure that Staff with disabilities enjoy what other staff are enjoying.
He stated that FCTA is responsive to challenges of PWDs and assured that something good will come out the visit because the Permanent Secretary and the Minister are passionate about the issues of PWDs.
He proposed a meeting with the leadership of the group, the Secretary, SDS and Director, Human Resources so that they can develop what they can escalate to the top that would enhance implementation. He then demanded for the copy of the Disability Act to guide him and his team while making recommendations.
He promised that a disability desk officer would be created so that there would be somebody to hold responsible whenever something goes wrong in the implementation of the Disability Act in the FCTA.
The highpoint of the visit was the presentation of the advocacy brief and material which is copies of Discrimination against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 and Article 27 of UNCRP and T. Shirts carrying the advocacy messages.
