OHCSF unveils new measures to ensure inclusion as Hon. Bashiru Dawodu calls for full compliance across MDAs
In a significant move aimed at entrenching disability inclusion within the Nigerian public service, the Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the statutory five per cent recruitment quota for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
This renewed push was announced when the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters, Hon. Dr. Bashiru Dawodu, paid an official visit to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu, over the weekend, the OHCSF disclosed a raft of new policy directions and infrastructural reforms designed to foster an inclusive public service that leaves no Nigerian behind.
According to the statement, the visit formed part of wider efforts to promote strategic collaboration and drive the practical implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, especially as it concerns accessibility, equitable employment, and inclusive service delivery.
Reforms in Action: Building an Inclusive Federal Workforce
Welcoming the delegation, Mrs. Walson-Jack provided an overview of structural and policy reforms already undertaken by her office to create a more accessible and inclusive workplace for PWDs.
Among the initiatives highlighted were:
- The remodeling of the OHCSF reception area
- Retrofitting of sanitary facilities to accommodate persons with physical disabilities
- Construction of access ramps
- And the issuance of circulars to all MDAs directing them to engage sign language interpreters—especially from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD)—during public events and government programmes.
In a major policy shift, the OHCSF has begun transitioning from granting substantive employment waivers to a two-step provisional waiver process for recruitment. Under the new system, MDAs seeking to recruit will first receive a provisional waiver, on the condition that they provide verifiable evidence of compliance with the 5% quota for PWDs before final approval is granted.
“This reform will help us track progress more effectively and ask the critical question: Where is the 5% employment for persons with disabilities?” Walson-Jack emphasized.
She further noted that the reform aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places priority on inclusive development and equitable access to opportunities for all Nigerians, regardless of ability.
A New Civil Service Policy on Diversity and Inclusion on the Way
In a bold step towards institutionalizing these gains, Mrs. Walson-Jack announced that a new Civil Service Policy on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is currently being developed. This policy will provide a guiding framework for MDAs to operationalize inclusion, especially in line with the provisions of the 2018 Disability Act.
To promote healthy competition among MDAs, she revealed that the Federal Ministry of Works had recently been recognized at the 2025 Rewards and Recognition Awards Ceremony for its strides in ensuring accessibility compliance—an achievement that sets a standard for other ministries to emulate.
In addition, she disclosed that plans are underway to convene a high-level roundtable with PWDs and key stakeholders to deepen engagements and foster collaborative implementation of disability inclusion across government institutions.
Hon. Dawodu Applauds OHCSF, Urges Nationwide Accessibility Audits
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Dr. Bashiru Dawodu lauded the leadership of the OHCSF for the progress made so far in advancing disability inclusion, describing the office’s approach as a model worth replicating across all tiers of government.
He urged all MDAs to:
- Conduct thorough accessibility audits
- Obtain Disability Compliance Certificates
- And train frontline staff to effectively engage and serve persons with disabilities.
Dr. Dawodu emphasized that full integration of PWDs into public service must go beyond employment—it must also include dignified service delivery and equitable access to infrastructure, programmes, and information.
He also stressed the need for strengthened collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), the statutory regulatory body responsible for setting and enforcing accessibility standards in Nigeria.
A United Front for Inclusion
The meeting ended on a high note, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepen institutional reforms, enforce inclusive policies, and create a federal civil service where everyone—regardless of physical or sensory ability—is given a fair opportunity to thrive.
With this new wave of reforms and collaborative will from both executive and legislative arms, Nigeria may be on the cusp of redefining what a truly inclusive public service should look like.
