The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in partnership with Sightsavers, has inaugurated a Special Committee to drive the implementation of the Framework for the National Access to Work Scheme for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria. The inauguration took place during a two-day capacity-building workshop at the Golden Dabis Hotel in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
This framework, which was developed collaboratively by the Commission, Sightsavers, and TAF Africa in 2024 and officially launched in January 2025, outlines structured guidelines, incentives, and support mechanisms aimed at promoting inclusive employment. It encourages the private sector as well as government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adopt practices that create equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The workshop delved into essential aspects of the framework, including strategies for conducting workplace accessibility audits, integrating assistive technologies, promoting inclusive recruitment, and implementing policies that support the active participation of persons with disabilities in the workforce.
Delivering his keynote address, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, emphasized that the initiative represents more than just another program—it signifies a decisive step toward equity, dignity, and full inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s national workforce. He noted that this initiative seeks to establish sustainable systems and policies that open up employment opportunities for the estimated 35.5 million Nigerians living with disabilities. Gufwan further highlighted that the scheme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to social justice.
The Access to Work Scheme is firmly anchored in both national and international legal instruments. Hon. Gufwan referenced the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, which guarantees the right to employment in both the public and private sectors and mandates the provision of reasonable workplace accommodations. He also cited the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), particularly Article 27, which recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to work on an equal basis with others. According to him, these legal frameworks not only mandate action—they empower institutions to create inclusive systems that uphold human rights.
Gufwan expressed sincere appreciation to Sightsavers Nigeria for their technical contributions, as well as to TAF Africa for their steadfast partnership in promoting disability inclusion. Speaking at the event, Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, Director of Social Integration at the Commission, described the inauguration as a critical milestone in advancing social inclusion and equity for persons with disabilities. He reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to removing social and economic barriers through sustained advocacy, policy development, and strategic alliances.
A key moment of the workshop was the official inauguration of the Special Committee on the Implementation of the National Access to Work Scheme, led by Hon. Gufwan. The committee brings together senior management of the Commission and representatives from key stakeholders across the disability and employment sectors.
The technical session was led by Dr. Adebukola Adebayo, Technical Assistant to the Commission, who delivered a comprehensive presentation exploring the global and Nigerian contexts of Access to Work Schemes. He also guided participants in designing an implementation plan tailored to the national framework.
The workshop concluded on a hopeful note, with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to disability inclusion. Participants left with practical strategies and a unified resolve to ensure the effective rollout of the Access to Work Scheme, marking a significant step toward an inclusive and equitable workforce in Nigeria.
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