The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to disability inclusion with a renewed drive to enforce the statutory 5% recruitment quota for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the Federal Civil Service.
This move was made known by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, during an official visit to her office by the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters, Hon. Dr. Bashiru Dawodu.
According to a weekend statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the OHCSF, Mrs. Eno Olotu, the visit was part of a broader effort to deepen collaboration and advance the implementation of disability-inclusive policies across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Mrs. Walson-Jack used the occasion to highlight a number of strategic reforms already undertaken by her office to make the civil service more inclusive and accessible. These include the remodeling of the OHCSF reception area, retrofitting sanitary facilities to accommodate persons with disabilities, and the installation of ramps for improved mobility. In addition, circulars have been issued to MDAs directing them to engage sign language interpreters, especially during official events and programs, in partnership with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
Addressing the issue of employment inclusion, the Head of Service emphasized that the OHCSF is introducing a more stringent approach to enforcing the 5% employment quota. Rather than issuing automatic employment waivers, MDAs will now be required to present verifiable documentation showing their compliance before receiving final approval.
“This new procedure will allow us to ask the critical question: where is the 5% employment for persons with disabilities?” she remarked.
Mrs. Walson-Jack further noted that the reforms are in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places inclusive growth and development at the center of governance. She also announced that a Civil Service Policy on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is currently in development to support the implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
In recognition of efforts toward accessibility, the Federal Ministry of Works received an award at the 2025 Rewards and Recognition Ceremony—an initiative aimed at motivating other MDAs to prioritize inclusion.
Plans are also underway to convene a roundtable dialogue with PWDs and key stakeholders in the coming days to further strengthen engagement and chart actionable steps for sustainable inclusion.
In his remarks, Hon. Dawodu praised the OHCSF for demonstrating leadership in driving disability-inclusive reforms. He called on all MDAs to conduct comprehensive accessibility audits, obtain Disability Compliance Certificates, and ensure their frontline staff are adequately trained to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.
The lawmaker also underscored the importance of enhanced collaboration with the NCPWD—the statutory body responsible for monitoring and enforcing accessibility standards within public institutions.
The visit ended with a renewed pledge from both parties to build a more inclusive federal workforce, where persons with disabilities are not only represented but fully empowered to contribute to national development.
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