Lagos, Nigeria – In a bold move to challenge the status quo and rewrite the narrative for Nigeria’s workforce, Project Enable Africa marked International Workers’ Day 2025 by convening a powerful coalition of voices calling for greater workplace inclusion for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The event, now in its second edition, brought together key players from across government, private enterprise, development agencies, and the business community. From hospitality to finance, entertainment to tech, the message resonated clearly: Inclusive employment is not just a moral imperative—it is smart economics.
For Project Enable Africa, May 1st has evolved beyond the traditional celebration of labor. Since 2024, the organization has used the day to champion the rights of PWDs in the workforce, spotlighting both the systemic exclusion they face and the immense potential they bring to the economy when given equitable access to jobs and opportunities.
At this year’s edition, themed “Bridging the Gap: Advancing Workplace Policies for Disability Inclusion”, participants engaged in deep conversations, shared lived experiences, and offered actionable strategies to drive change within organizational structures.
The Economic Cost of Exclusion
One of the most striking moments came during a presentation of recent findings from the Global Disability Summit 2025, which revealed that underemployment of PWDs in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, could be costing up to 7% of GDP.
Beyond the economic loss, the data points to a broader, more troubling reality: the massive pool of untapped talent and potential being overlooked due to outdated policies, inaccessible infrastructure, and persistent stereotypes.
Voices from the Frontlines
Opening the forum, Ms. Oluwayemisi Adekunle, a board member of Project Enable Africa, delivered a stirring speech that captured the urgency of the moment.
“Persons with disabilities continue to face systemic exclusion, especially in opportunities to access decent and fulfilling work,” she said. “This limits their potential for financial mobility and prosperity, and tragically reinforces a cycle of poverty that we must all work to break.”
She called on employers and policymakers to recognize that the fight for workplace inclusion is a fight for equity, dignity, and justice.
Corporate Commitment to Inclusion
Representing the private sector, Mr. Yehia Elmansoury, General Manager of Radisson Hotel, reaffirmed the hospitality giant’s commitment to equitable hiring practices.
“Embracing inclusivity is not just about social responsibility—it enriches our organizational structure and boosts productivity. It is a strategic advantage,” he remarked.
His message echoed a growing corporate consensus: inclusive workplaces are not only fairer—they’re smarter, more innovative, and better positioned for long-term success.
Panel Spotlight: Turning Dialogue into Action
The highlight of the day was a compelling panel discussion moderated by disability rights advocate Ms. Tobiloba Ajayi. The panel featured a blend of seasoned advocates and professionals who dissected the current state of disability employment in Nigeria.
Ajayi noted a staggering statistic: while there are an estimated 18 million PWDs of working age in Nigeria, only 54,000 are gainfully employed—a gap that underscores the urgent need for reform.
Barrister Lukman Salami Bolarinwa, Chairman of JONAPWD Lagos State Chapter, pushed back against the misconception that hiring PWDs is an act of charity.
“Inclusive hiring is not charity—it is economic wisdom,” he said. “With inclusive employment policies, targeted skills development, and access to finance, we can unlock innovation, boost productivity, and transform communities.”
A Story of Hope and Responsibility
Adding a personal perspective, Ms. Chidinma Annabel Nwandu, an alumna of Project Enable Africa and current employee at International Breweries, shared her journey.
“Persons with disabilities must be intentional about preparing themselves for opportunities,” she said. “Upskilling, self-development, and readiness are key to making an impact when doors open.”
Her testimony reflected the dual responsibility of both the system and the individuals—to create opportunities and to be prepared to seize them.
The Call to Action
In his closing remarks, Mr. Olalekan Owonikoko, Acting Executive Director of Project Enable Africa, issued a passionate call for decisive and sustained action.
“The time for dialogue has passed. What we need now is action, accountability, and investment in inclusive workplace practices that truly leave no one behind,” he declared.
Owonikoko emphasized that inclusive employment must move from rhetoric to reality, from policy papers to measurable change across offices, factories, boardrooms, and shop floors.
Towards a Truly Inclusive Future
The Workers’ Day forum organized by Project Enable Africa didn’t just raise awareness—it set a new tone for how Nigeria must approach disability inclusion at work. It challenged employers to rethink their hiring practices, encouraged the government to enforce disability rights laws more vigorously, and empowered PWDs to pursue opportunities with boldness and preparation.
As Nigeria grapples with high unemployment and economic uncertainty, tapping into the potential of millions of capable PWDs could be a game-changer—for both social equity and national growth.
The event may be over, but its message is clear: an inclusive workplace is not just possible, it is necessary. And the time to act is now.
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