Calls for Equitable Hiring, Improved Training Programs, and Extended Retirement Age
In a powerful appeal to the Federal Government, the Nigerian Association of the Blind (NAB) has called for immediate action to address the lack of employment opportunities for visually impaired Nigerians. Highlighting the pressing need for fair and inclusive hiring practices, the NAB argues that equitable employment is vital not only for the dignity of visually impaired individuals but also for providing them with a sustainable means of livelihood.
Comrade Stanley Onyebuchi, the National President of the NAB, emphasized the challenges faced by visually impaired Nigerians in the workforce in a recent statement to the press. He explained that for many visually impaired citizens, employment represents one of the few pathways to economic independence and social inclusion.
“Employment remains one of the few avenues for visually impaired individuals to contribute meaningfully to society,” Onyebuchi stated. “We are appealing to the government to implement hiring practices that recognize our capabilities. Without targeted support and employment considerations, many visually impaired Nigerians face poverty and social exclusion, unable to access stable job opportunities that would enable them to be self-reliant.”
Addressing Broader Issues Facing the Visually Impaired
This call for employment inclusivity is part of a larger appeal by the NAB, which urges the Federal Government to tackle several pressing issues affecting the visually impaired community. One significant concern is the situation at the Nigerian Farm Craft Training Centre for the Blind in Lagos, a facility that has long provided critical vocational training for visually impaired Nigerians. However, students at the centre currently face indefinite delays in their graduation, a setback that impacts their future employability and independence. Many of these students, after years of dedicated study, find themselves in a state of limbo, unable to secure jobs or plan their futures due to these administrative delays.
The NAB also highlighted the lack of scholarships for visually impaired students, noting that without financial support, many are unable to pursue higher education or vocational training, further limiting their job prospects. According to the association, these issues are interconnected and directly affect the employability and economic independence of its members.
“Our members face unique challenges in accessing education and training. The delays in graduation at the Farm Craft Training Centre, combined with the scarcity of scholarships, mean that visually impaired Nigerians are often ill-prepared to enter the workforce,” Onyebuchi explained. “We need urgent government intervention to address these bottlenecks.”
Appeal for Extended Retirement Age
In addition to improved hiring practices and better training facilities, the NAB has urged the Federal Government to consider extending the retirement age for visually impaired workers from the standard age to 65. The association argues that, due to educational and career delays often encountered by visually impaired individuals, many are forced to retire before they have achieved the financial or emotional stability needed for life post-retirement.
“Visually impaired workers frequently face delays in their educational and career progression, which means that by the time they are established in their fields, they are often nearing retirement age,” Onyebuchi noted. “An extended retirement age would provide visually impaired workers with the opportunity to build a more secure financial foundation, which is essential for their long-term well-being.”
A Call for Government Action on Behalf of the Visually Impaired
The NAB’s appeal shines a spotlight on the urgent need for a comprehensive policy framework that prioritizes the needs of visually impaired Nigerians. By enhancing job opportunities, supporting vocational and educational training, and re-evaluating retirement policies, the government could help foster a more inclusive society where visually impaired individuals have the chance to thrive.
“We are not asking for handouts but for policies that recognize our abilities and allow us to participate fully in the workforce,” Onyebuchi said in his statement. “Visually impaired Nigerians have the skills, dedication, and passion to contribute meaningfully to the nation. All we need is for the government to give us an equal chance to prove our capabilities.”
The NAB’s appeal serves as a reminder of the significant yet often overlooked contributions that individuals with disabilities can make when provided with equitable opportunities. As the nation faces evolving economic and social challenges, fostering an inclusive workforce that welcomes people of all abilities could serve as a powerful driver of national development.
By addressing these issues, the Federal Government has the opportunity to not only uplift a vulnerable population but also to strengthen the broader economy by enabling more Nigerians to participate productively in the workforce. The NAB remains hopeful that this call to action will resonate within government circles and inspire policymakers to take the necessary steps to create an inclusive environment where visually impaired Nigerians can achieve their full potential.
