NAN Committed to Fair Employment Practices for PWDs, Says MD

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has assured that the agency maintains a non-discriminatory approach toward Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in its employment process.

Ali, represented by Mr. Ephraims Sheyin, the Editor-in-Chief of NAN, stated this during a courtesy visit from the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) for PWDs on Tuesday in Abuja. In response to IFA’s request for more job opportunities for PWDs, Ali emphasized that NAN’s focus is strictly on the skills and competence of individuals, not their physical limitations.

“NAN fully supports the PWD community, and we are dedicated to highlighting their issues through our coverage. Our priority is always the ability to deliver results,” he said. Ali also noted that the agency already employs physically impaired individuals and has provided appropriate infrastructure to accommodate their needs.

“At NAN, we safeguard the rights of all, and we do not discriminate. We are solely concerned with capability and what individuals can contribute, not their physical challenges,” he explained. The agency also has a dedicated desk that focuses on disability-related issues, which Ali affirmed would continue to promote the cause of PWDs.

He urged the Inclusive Friends Association to expand its awareness campaigns to further educate media practitioners on the challenges faced by PWDs.

The Program Manager of the association, Mr. Moses Oluwaseyi, emphasized that PWDs often face systemic discrimination. He noted that despite existing policies, there remains a wide gap in the rights and opportunities afforded to PWDs compared to others.

Oluwaseyi called for more inclusive policies, including the enforcement of a five percent employment quota for PWDs, proper budget allocations, and improved physical access to workplaces.

“We must ensure workplace inclusivity across all sectors to create equal opportunities for the PWD community,” he said.

Ms. Favour Ajara, another member of the association, highlighted the specific challenges faced by women with disabilities, including attitudinal barriers. She appealed to the media to use appropriate terminology when reporting on PWDs.