Abuja, Nigeria — In a groundbreaking move that signals renewed hope for disability inclusion in Nigeria’s workforce, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) have pledged to intensify efforts toward expanding economic opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) nationwide.
At the heart of this strategic alliance is a shared vision: breaking down systemic barriers and ensuring that no Nigerian with a disability is left behind in employment, entrepreneurship, or economic empowerment.
This resolve was reaffirmed during a high-level meeting held recently in Abuja between NCPWD Executive Secretary, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, and NDE Director General, Hon. Silas Ali Agara. The meeting, which brought together key stakeholders from both agencies, focused on actionable strategies to move beyond policy rhetoric and deliver tangible results for PWDs.
Disability Inclusion: From Words to Action
Speaking during the engagement, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan delivered a passionate call for the full implementation of disability-inclusive policies. He emphasized that inclusion should not be seen as an act of benevolence, but as a fundamental right enshrined in Nigeria’s laws and international commitments, such as the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
“PWDs deserve equal access to employment and economic opportunities. We must shift from empty promises to concrete actions. Inclusion is not charity — it’s justice,” Gufwan declared.
He commended the NDE for its ongoing efforts to provide skill acquisition and empowerment programs tailored to PWDs but also pointed out persistent challenges hindering progress. Chief among them are inadequate budgetary allocations, poor monitoring, and weak enforcement of the mandatory 5% employment quota for PWDs in government institutions.
Gufwan urged Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to rise to the occasion by complying fully with this policy, ensuring that persons with disabilities are adequately represented in Nigeria’s workforce.
NDE’s Renewed Hope for Disability Economic Empowerment
In response, Hon. Silas Ali Agara assured that the NDE remains unwavering in its commitment to disability inclusion. He highlighted various initiatives already in motion, particularly under the Renewed Hope Initiatives program, which has trained over 3,000 individuals, including PWDs, across 27 states.
Recognizing the unique barriers faced by persons with disabilities, the NDE has made deliberate adjustments to its training models. According to Agara, the agency has begun engaging Sign Language interpreters to support hearing-impaired participants, ensuring that no one is left behind due to communication barriers.
“Our goal is simple yet profound: equip PWDs with skills that foster self-reliance, dignity, and financial independence,” Agara stated.
Starter Kits and Sustainable Livelihoods
Beyond training, the NDE has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to provide starter kits to program graduates, enabling them to launch small businesses and chart their own economic futures.
In a move that has sparked optimism within the disability community, Hon. Agara announced the allocation of 3,000 exclusive training slots for persons with disabilities in the upcoming training cycle slated for May 2025. He urged eligible PWDs to take advantage of this opportunity by registering through designated channels.
“We are not merely training for the sake of numbers. We are investing in lives, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for PWDs,” Agara emphasized.
Establishment of Joint Implementation Committee
To ensure the smooth rollout and sustainability of these initiatives, both agencies agreed to establish a joint implementation committee comprising representatives from the NCPWD and NDE. This committee will oversee inclusive program execution, monitor compliance with employment quotas, and address emerging challenges.
The meeting concluded on a high note, with both leaders reaffirming their unwavering dedication to dismantling barriers that have historically excluded PWDs from Nigeria’s labor force.
A Turning Point for Disability-Inclusive Employment
This collaboration between the NCPWD and NDE marks a significant milestone in the fight for economic justice and social inclusion. Stakeholders at the meeting expressed confidence that these renewed efforts would yield measurable results, offering persons with disabilities not just employment but the dignity of choice, participation, and prosperity.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward sustainable development, ensuring the full inclusion of PWDs is not just a moral obligation — it is a smart economic strategy that strengthens communities and drives national growth.
The message is clear: An inclusive Nigeria is a prosperous Nigeria. And with the NCPWD and NDE leading the charge, the future for persons with disabilities is looking brighter than ever.
