A NATIONAL FRAMEWORK ON ACCESS TO WORK FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE COUNTRY HAS BEEN LAUNCHED 30-01-25
By Sadiq Aminu A National Framework on access to work for persons with disabilities in the country has been launched.
The framework is to provide equal employment opportunities for qualified PWDs
At the event in Lagos, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities Chief Ayuba Gufwan said the framework is also aimed at supporting full implementation of relevant provisions of the Disability Act by adopting a collaborative approach.
Report by the National Commission for Persons with disabilities indicates that only 2 percent of the over 35 million persons with disabilities are able to access formal employment not withstanding their eligibility of opportunities.
The executive secretary of the commission Chief Ayuba Gufwan said evidence shows that most private sector employers are unable to bear the burden of assistive devices and technologies required by PWDs in the formal work environment.
He explained that they also lack the needed awareness and technical know-how to manage accessibility needs and reasonable recommendations for employees with disabilities which necessitated the national framework.
Chief Gufwan said the framework end persons all forms of discrimination against PWDs in the workplace and recommend that all employers reserve at least 5 percent quota for qualified PWDs
Chief Gufwan pledged commitment to the implementation of the national framework with the donation of 150 million naira for the immediate take off.
He said the funds would be used to procure assistive devices and technologies
On her part the Country Director Sight Savers Nigeria Dr Joy Shuaibu said they were collaborating with private sectors government and other stakeholders to be sure that all persons with disabilities have assets to livelihood and contribute meaningfully to the society.
The Assistant Program manager TAF Africa George Dominic Anwayi said the framework would assist persons with disabilities to get jobs with the private sector.
Over two hundred persons with disabilities attended the event, Nigeria is the first country in Africa to champion this form of Access to work Scheme.