NCPWD Inaugurates Special Committee On Implementation Of National Access To Work Scheme

 The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in collaboration with Sightsavers, has inaugurated a Special Committee to oversee 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 held at the Golden Dabis Hotel, Keffi, Nasarawa State.

The framework, jointly developed by the Commission, Sightsavers, and TAF Africa in 2024, was officially launched in January 2025. It aims to provide clear guidelines, incentives, and support structures to encourage both the private sector and all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adopt inclusive employment practices for persons with disabilities.

The workshop focused on key components of the framework, including workplace accessibility audits, provision of assistive technologies, inclusive hiring practices, and the implementation of enabling policies to support full participation in the workforce.

While delivering his keynote address, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the Commission, stated:

“This initiative is not merely another event; it is a bold step forward in the struggle for equity, dignity, and full inclusion of persons with disabilities in our national workforce. We are establishing systems, policies, and practices that make employment accessible, inclusive, and sustainable for over 35.5 million Nigerians with disabilities.”

He further emphasized that the initiative aligns closely with the vision and social contract outlined in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Access to Work Scheme is grounded in a strong legal and rights-based foundation, including:

1. The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018:

Section 28 guarantees the right to employment in both public and private sectors.

Section 4 mandates the provision of reasonable accommodation in the workplace.

2. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD):

Article 27 affirms the right of persons with disabilities to work on an equal basis with others, requiring the elimination of discrimination, the provision of reasonable accommodation, and the promotion of inclusive employment opportunities.

 “Together, these instruments not only obligate us—they empower us to build systems that respect and realize these rights,” Hon. Gufwan added.

He also expressed deep appreciation to Sightsavers Nigeria for their technical support and partnership, and to TAF Africa for their ongoing commitment to disability inclusion.

In his remarks, Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, Director of Social Integration at the Commission, described the gathering as a “critical milestone in our collective effort to advance social integration, equity, and inclusive development for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.” He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to dismantling social and economic barriers through advocacy, policy, and strategic collaboration.

Committee Inauguration

The highlight of the workshop was the formal inauguration of the Special Committee on Implementation of the National Access to Work Scheme by Hon. Ayuba Gufwan. The committee comprises: Management staff of the Commission, Representatives from:, Sightsavers, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), TAF Africa, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Federal Civil Service Commission, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and , Technical Session.

The training was facilitated by Dr. Adebukola Adebayo, Technical Assistant to the Commission, who delivered an in-depth presentation on the global and local contexts of Access to Work Schemes. He also guided participants through the development of an implementation plan for the national framework.

The workshop concluded with renewed commitments from all stakeholders, the sharing of practical strategies, and the establishment of a solid foundation for effective implementation of the Access to Work Scheme in Nigeria.