Abuja – In a significant stride towards disability inclusion, the Federal Government has unveiled the Disability Readiness Assessment and Workforce Toolkit, an innovative framework aimed at equipping both public and private institutions to better integrate Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) into the workforce.
The toolkit, officially launched on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, was developed by Deaf-in-Tech in collaboration with DataLead Africa. It is the result of extensive research and stakeholder consultations and is designed to evaluate organizational readiness, highlight existing gaps in accessibility, and foster inclusive workplace cultures.
Speaking through his Director of Media and Communications, Mr. Lanre Oloyede, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mohammed Abba Isa, described the launch as both “timely and strategic,” aligning with President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This toolkit brings us one step closer to turning the theory of inclusion into practical reality. Employment and accessible workplaces are key to ending the cycle of disability-induced poverty,” Isa said. “When PWDs are gainfully employed, they achieve economic independence, dignity, and can contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Isa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for the initiative and called for an urgent amendment to the National Disability Act (2018) to extend the 5% employment quota for PWDs to the private sector.
“Inclusion must go beyond box-ticking. It should be rooted in dignity, accessibility, and actionable workplace accommodations,” he added.
He also shared progress made under his tenure, noting that over 50 PWDs have secured employment in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through sustained advocacy efforts.
The launch event featured remarks from key partners including Mrs. Sefunmi Oluwole of DataLead Africa and Dr. Ayoola Arowolo of Deaf-in-Tech, who emphasized the need for systemic readiness and the transformative role of technology in advancing disability inclusion.
Isa concluded by reiterating his office’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders nationwide to ensure full adoption and implementation of the toolkit, stating, “Together, we can build a truly inclusive Nigeria where disability is seen not as a barrier, but a strength.”
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