…Over 20 companies engage job seekers with disabilities in inclusive recruitment drive
In a bold and history-making move towards workplace inclusion, Blakskill Limited, in collaboration with Sightsavers, has hosted a first-of-its-kind career fair in Lagos, exclusively tailored for talents with disabilities. The groundbreaking event brought together major employers, HR leaders, and ecosystem enablers to promote disability-inclusive hiring practices and unlock the economic potential of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.
Held in the bustling heart of Nigeria’s commercial capital, the career fair served as a powerful platform for persons with disabilities to connect directly with potential employers, learn about job openings, and participate in conversations centered around inclusive workforce practices. The event marked a significant leap forward in breaking down long-standing barriers to employment for PWDs and ensuring that ability—not disability—becomes the standard by which talent is measured.
A New Era for Inclusive Hiring
With more than 20 companies in attendance, the event drew participation from both multinational corporations and Nigerian businesses committed to building diverse and inclusive teams. Many companies held on-the-spot engagements with job seekers with disabilities, signaling strong intent to move beyond tokenism and into action when it comes to inclusive recruitment.
The highlight of the fair was a dynamic panel discussion titled ‘Inclusion at Work: Creating Opportunities for Talents with Disabilities’. Panelists, which included corporate leaders, disability inclusion advocates, and HR professionals, shared actionable strategies for integrating PWDs into workplaces, redesigning hiring processes, and fostering inclusive cultures that allow everyone to thrive.
“This is not just a career fair—it is a call to action,” said Michael Alasa, CEO of Blakskill Limited. “We are here to shift mindsets, challenge stereotypes, and open doors that have remained closed for too long.”
The Numbers Tell a Troubling Story
Alasa did not mince words in highlighting the urgent need for reform. Speaking to journalists at the event, he said, “For decades, talented persons with disabilities have been systematically shut out of the workforce—not because they lack skill, intelligence, or ambition, but because of policies and systems that were designed without them in mind.”
He cited alarming statistics: Only 3 per cent of persons with disabilities in Nigeria are formally employed. Meanwhile, the World Bank estimates that Nigeria loses over N10 trillion annually due to the economic exclusion of PWDs. These figures, he argued, are a wake-up call for both the private and public sectors to begin investing meaningfully in inclusive employment.
“Imagine what our economy could gain if we tapped into the talents of millions of Nigerians with disabilities. Inclusion is not a favour—it’s smart economics,” Alasa emphasized.
Challenging Stereotypes, Unlocking Talent
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Gambo Yohanna, Programme Officer for Economic Empowerment at Sightsavers, noted that despite widespread misconceptions, there is a growing pool of highly skilled persons with disabilities in Nigeria. However, he pointed out that employer reluctance—fueled by entrenched stereotypes—remains a significant barrier.
“Many employers still believe that hiring someone with a disability means compromising productivity or incurring unreasonable costs. This is simply untrue. People with disabilities bring innovation, resilience, and unmatched determination to any team,” Yohanna said.
He added that Sightsavers remains committed to bridging the gap between skilled PWDs and opportunities, and called on all stakeholders—government, private sector, and civil society—to work together in creating an ecosystem where inclusive employment is the norm, not the exception.
Voices from the Job Seekers
For many of the job seekers in attendance, the fair was more than just a recruitment event—it was a long-awaited moment of validation and visibility. Several attendees shared their excitement at being seen and heard in a professional space that often overlooks their potential.
“It’s refreshing to walk into a room where I don’t have to explain or justify my disability before I can talk about my skills,” said Uchechi, a visually impaired software developer. “Today, I am not just a person with a disability. I am a professional, and that matters.”
Setting a Precedent for Future Fairs
The success of the event has set a promising precedent. Blakskill and Sightsavers have indicated plans to scale the initiative, bringing similar career fairs to other parts of Nigeria and collaborating with more employers to mainstream disability inclusion into hiring practices.
The career fair is also a call to action for the Nigerian government and corporate sector to strengthen compliance with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, which mandates equal opportunity in employment, among other provisions.
The Path Forward: Inclusion as a National Imperative
Nigeria’s path to prosperity cannot exclude 15 per cent of its population. By investing in accessible infrastructure, disability-friendly workplace policies, and awareness campaigns, the country can unlock a massive reservoir of untapped talent and productivity.
The Lagos career fair proved that disability is not inability—and that when given the opportunity, persons with disabilities can, and do, excel across all sectors.
“This is just the beginning,” said Alasa. “We envision a future where events like this are no longer extraordinary, but the standard.”
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By Agbo Christian Obiora
Executive Director, The Qualitative Magazine
