LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE—In a bold move to accelerate the enforcement of disability rights in Nasarawa State, the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Disability Commission, has taken its advocacy efforts to the doorstep of government leadership. The organizations paid a crucial advocacy visit to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Labaran Shuaibu Magaji (PhD), as part of efforts to address the persistent gaps in the implementation of the state’s Disability Law, particularly regarding employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Despite the domestication of the Disability Law and the establishment of the Nasarawa State Disability Commission, the level of compliance with its key provisions—most notably, the mandatory 5% employment quota for PWDs in public institutions—has remained disappointingly low. This has left many qualified PWDs in Nasarawa State facing a harsh reality of unemployment, underemployment, and systemic exclusion from meaningful participation in the workforce.
Determined to change this narrative, IFA and the Commission jointly visited the SSG at his office in Lafia to press for renewed government action and accountability.
Government Reiterates Commitment to Disability Inclusion
During the advocacy visit, Barrister Labaran Shuaibu Magaji commended IFA and the Nasarawa State Disability Commission for their dogged efforts and unwavering resilience in promoting the rights and welfare of PWDs across the state.
“The government of Nasarawa State remains fully committed to ensuring that Persons with Disabilities enjoy equal rights and opportunities in every sphere,” the SSG assured. “We recognize the crucial role PWDs play in the development of our society and are determined to bridge existing gaps in employment and social inclusion.”
IFA’s Advancing Digital Literacy Project Gains Ground
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the discussion around the Advancing Digital Literacy Project, an initiative spearheaded by IFA to enhance the employability of PWDs by equipping them with vital digital skills. The SSG expressed strong support for the project, acknowledging it as a game-changer in preparing PWDs for the demands of the modern labor market.
“This project aligns perfectly with the government’s vision of empowering marginalized groups,” Barrister Magaji noted. “We will give it all the necessary backing to ensure its success and sustainability.”
Call for Full Compliance with Disability Law
Beyond mere promises, the SSG encouraged the Nasarawa State Disability Commission to continue enforcing its mandate to the fullest. He emphasized the need for strict adherence to the 5% employment quota and other critical provisions enshrined in the Disability Law, assuring that the government will work closely with relevant ministries and agencies to drive compliance.
This advocacy visit signals a renewed push for action—transforming disability rights from paper to practice.
IFA: Leading the Charge for Disability Rights
Speaking after the meeting, IFA’s Executive Director, Grace Jerry represented by Moses Oluwaseyi reaffirmed the association’s commitment to holding duty bearers accountable and ensuring that PWDs in Nasarawa State are not left behind.
“Our goal is simple: to make sure that rights are not just legislated but implemented,” an IFA representative stated. “The low employment rate among PWDs is a systemic issue that must be addressed through deliberate policies, government accountability, and empowerment programs like our Advancing Digital Literacy Project.”
What More Can Be Done?
While the government’s renewed assurances are encouraging, many believe more concrete actions are required to turn commitments into realities. These include:
- Strict enforcement of the 5% employment quota across all public institutions.
- Introduction of incentives for private sector employers who hire PWDs.
- Continuous capacity-building programs tailored for PWDs to meet labor market demands.
- Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track compliance with the Disability Law.
- Creation of entrepreneurship and skill acquisition hubs specifically designed for PWDs.
The Path Forward
This latest engagement between IFA, the Nasarawa State Disability Commission, and the State Government represents a critical step in the right direction. It reflects a collective understanding that real inclusion requires more than just legislation—it demands actionable policies, political will, and a strong partnership between government, civil society, and the disability community.
As Nasarawa State continues its journey toward a more inclusive society, all eyes are on how swiftly promises will be translated into measurable progress.
Together, we can build a future where no one is left behind!
