Lagos, Nigeria – The Nigeria Business and Disability Network (NBDN), alongside stakeholders from the private, public, and civil society sectors, have called for increased inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the workforce of organizations across the country. This call to action was made during the second edition of the Nigeria Diversity and Inclusion Conference, hosted by Access Holdings in Lagos on Wednesday.
The conference, themed ‘Disability Inclusion in Corporate Sustainability,’ served as a pivotal platform for employers to enhance disability confidence, foster inclusive practices, and promote job readiness for people with disabilities in the workplace. The event underscored the economic value of disability inclusion and its critical role in achieving sustainable business practices.
Highlights from the Conference
Launch of Job Connection App for PWDs
In a significant development, NBDN announced the forthcoming launch of an app designed to connect PWDs with job opportunities that match their qualifications. This initiative aims to bridge the employment gap and provide equal access to professional opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Advocating for Corporate Inclusion
Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan, Chair of NBDN, emphasized the growing necessity for corporations to integrate PWDs into roles befitting their qualifications. She highlighted the staggering statistic from the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, which estimates that Nigeria has over 30 million PWDs facing marginalization due to gender, poverty, age, and other factors.
Victor-Laniyan stated, “It is imperative for PWDs to have equal access to opportunities across all sectors. Including disability in environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) not only enhances company value and shareholder return but also reduces workplace inequality.” She expressed optimism that the new app would effectively link employers with qualified PWDs, addressing the employment challenges they face.
Insights from Key Stakeholders
The Private Sector’s Role
Dr. Toyin Aderemi, Senior Global Advisor at Save the Children International, highlighted the stark unemployment rate among PWDs, which is double that of individuals without disabilities. She noted that this disparity is even more pronounced for women with disabilities. Dr. Aderemi stressed the significant role the private sector can play in providing employment opportunities for PWDs, who are predominantly employed in the informal sector where they are often underpaid.
“Companies have a crucial role in promoting the employment of persons with disabilities,” Dr. Aderemi said. “Both international companies and SMEs are key players in labor employment. In addition to being employers, companies contribute to the creation and dissemination of inclusive practices, complementing public initiatives through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies.”
Business Benefits of Inclusion
Dr. Joy Shuaibu, Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria, argued that diversity and inclusion are not just ethical imperatives but also make good business sense. She noted that members of the Nigeria Business and Disability Network are actively building sustainability, increasing economic profit margins, and driving innovation through diversity mainstreaming.
“Inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workplace is crucial as they have equal rights to economic empowerment and decent work,” said Chinyere Emeka-Anuna, Senior Programme Officer of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Nigeria. She pointed out that research has shown organizations promoting disability inclusion consistently outperform those that do not.
“By focusing on skills rather than stereotypes, companies can access a vast pool of untapped talent and maximize their workforce’s potential,” Emeka-Anuna added. “These employees bring diverse experiences and approaches to problem-solving, significantly boosting the company’s capacity for innovation.”
Recognition and Commitment
During the conference, Dr. James David Lalu, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), presented awards of recognition to several companies committed to disability inclusion. These companies included Access Bank, Airtel, British America Tobacco, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Friesland Campina, Guinness Nigeria Plc, MTN, Total Energies, Standard Chartered Bank, Sterling Bank, and Unilever Nigeria Plc.
Dr. Lalu emphasized that prioritizing disability inclusion enhances a company’s reputation, brand, and social impact. He encouraged these organizations to continue their exemplary work and support the successful implementation of the APC Disability Wind during the upcoming membership registration.
Looking Forward
The Nigeria Diversity and Inclusion Conference highlighted the need for continuous efforts to integrate PWDs into the workforce and emphasized the economic and social benefits of such inclusion. With the upcoming launch of the job connection app and the ongoing commitment from various sectors, the future looks promising for achieving greater disability inclusion in Nigeria’s corporate landscape.
