Lagos, Nigeria – In a historic move aimed at transforming employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has launched its long-anticipated National Access to Work Scheme. The event, which took place at the NECA Building in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, was marked by speeches of optimism and commitment from key stakeholders, including government officials and representatives from partner organizations.
The scheme, which promises to reshape the landscape of employment for persons with disabilities, was officially introduced by Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD. He stressed the initiative’s potential to not only improve the livelihoods of PWDs but also to enhance the inclusivity of Nigeria’s labor market. Gufwan’s passionate address underscored the transformative nature of the scheme, which is set to provide vital work-assistive devices and technologies to employed PWDs in the private sector.
“This is a game-changer for persons with disabilities in Nigeria,” Gufwan said. “By adopting a shared responsibility model between the government and private sector employers, we are breaking down barriers and creating real opportunities for PWDs to thrive in the workforce. This initiative is about making sure that everyone, regardless of ability, has a fair shot at contributing to the nation’s workforce and realizing their full potential.”
A Shared Responsibility Model: Government and Employers Unite
The National Access to Work Scheme is built on a “shared responsibility” model, a concept that encourages collaboration between the Federal Government, through the NCPWD, and private sector employers. This framework is designed to ease the burden on employers while ensuring that persons with disabilities receive the necessary support to excel in their jobs.
The Federal Government, through NCPWD, will partner with employers to provide work-assistive devices such as specialized equipment, mobility aids, and digital tools, enabling PWDs to carry out their tasks with greater ease and efficiency. In return, employers stand to benefit from incentives such as reduced employment costs and a stronger emphasis on disability-inclusive hiring practices, which could lead to a more diverse and productive workforce.
By taking steps to remove physical, technological, and financial barriers, the scheme aims to create a more level playing field for PWDs in the job market. The ultimate goal is to make workplaces across Nigeria more inclusive and equitable, allowing people of all abilities to contribute to the country’s economic development.
Creating Real Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities
One of the most striking features of the National Access to Work Scheme is its potential to reduce the high unemployment rate among persons with disabilities in Nigeria. According to recent data, unemployment is a significant challenge for PWDs, with many facing obstacles that prevent them from accessing job opportunities in the formal sector. By providing the necessary assistive tools and fostering an inclusive hiring environment, the scheme aims to address these systemic barriers head-on.
“This initiative is about more than just providing equipment; it’s about giving individuals the tools they need to be successful in their careers and to feel empowered as contributors to society,” said Gufwan. “With these assistive technologies and support from employers, we are ensuring that persons with disabilities have an equal opportunity to advance in their professional lives.”
In his remarks, Gufwan emphasized that the National Access to Work Scheme is not just about aiding the individuals who directly benefit from it, but about promoting a broader societal shift toward inclusivity. “This is about creating a cultural shift in our workplaces where disability inclusion is the norm, not the exception. It’s about making disability inclusion a key aspect of how we define success in the workplace.”
Partnerships with TAF Africa and Sightsavers
The NCPWD’s partnership with TAF Africa, a one of leading disability rights organization in Nigeria, and Sightsavers Nigeria, a renowned international development organization, underscores the collective commitment to the cause. These organizations have joined forces with the NCPWD to implement the scheme and ensure its sustainability.
The assistant program manager, TAF Africa, George Anwayi expressed his enthusiasm for the scheme, saying, “As an organization, we recognize that inclusive workplaces benefit everyone. We are proud to collaborate with NCPWD and Sightsavers to make sure that persons with disabilities have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.”
Sightsavers, known for its work in promoting equal opportunities for people with disabilities around the world, will bring its expertise in providing assistive technology and resources to the table. “We believe that when persons with disabilities are empowered with the right resources, they can achieve extraordinary things,” said Sightsavers Nigeria’ Country director, Dr. Joy Shuaibu. “This scheme is an essential step towards achieving that empowerment.”
A Vision for a More Inclusive Nigeria
The National Access to Work Scheme aligns with Nigeria’s broader commitment to promoting equal employment opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their physical abilities. By addressing the systemic barriers that PWDs face in the workplace, the initiative is expected to foster greater participation of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s economic growth. This, in turn, is poised to contribute to the nation’s development while upholding the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities.
For many Nigerians with disabilities, the launch of the Access to Work Scheme is a long-awaited and welcome sign of progress. As the country moves toward a more inclusive and diverse workforce, PWDs are one step closer to realizing their full potential.
In conclusion, the National Access to Work Scheme is more than just an employment initiative; it represents a shift toward a society where all Nigerians—regardless of disability—are given equal opportunities to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation at large. The NCPWD, together with its partners, remains committed to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities and creating a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.
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