The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) have reaffirmed their commitment to fostering inclusive employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria. This was highlighted during a high-level meeting held today in Abuja between the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, and the Director General of the NDE, Hon. Silas Ali Agara.
The discussions focused on expanding employment initiatives for PWDs, ensuring the enforcement of existing policies, and strengthening collaborative efforts to provide sustainable economic empowerment for persons with disabilities.
“Disability inclusion is not an act of charity; it is a fundamental right. We must move beyond rhetoric and take actionable steps to ensure that PWDs have equitable access to employment opportunities,” Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary, NCPWD.
Hon. Gufwan commended the NDE for its dedication to inclusive employment and acknowledged its achievements in skill development programs. However, he highlighted pressing challenges, including inadequate budget allocations and the lack of enforcement of the 5% employment quota for PWDs in government institutions. He called for immediate action to ensure full compliance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
In response, the Director General of the NDE, Hon. Silas Ali Agara, reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to equipping PWDs with essential skills for economic independence. He revealed that under the Renewed Hope Initiatives program, the NDE has successfully trained over 3,000 individuals, including PWDs, across 27 states.
+“Our training programs are designed to be inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind. We have engaged Sign Language interpreters to support hearing-impaired individuals, and we are taking deliberate steps to create a more disability-friendly employment landscape,” Hon. Silas Ali Agara, Director General, NDE.
To further empower beneficiaries, the NDE has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to provide starter kits to trainees upon completion of their training programs. The Director General encouraged PWDs to register for the upcoming training cycle scheduled to commence in May, as the NDE has allocated 3,000 training slots specifically for PWDs.
In a strategic move to ensure the success of this initiative, the NDE proposed the establishment of a joint committee comprising representatives from both organizations. This dedicated team will oversee the implementation of inclusive training programs, ensuring seamless coordination and effective execution.
Key Takeaways from the Meeting:
Inclusive Employment: Strengthening collaboration between the NCPWD and NDE to promote equal job opportunities for PWDs.
Skills Acquisition Training: Over 3,000 individuals, including PWDs, have been trained across 27 states under the Renewed Hope Initiatives program.
Sustainable Empowerment: Partnership with the Humanitarian Ministry to provide starter kits to trainees, facilitating entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
Strategic Action: Establishment of a joint committee to drive the successful implementation of inclusive training programs.
Call to Action: PWDs are encouraged to register for the upcoming training session, ensuring they follow the due process for selection.
The meeting concluded with both institutions reaffirming their shared vision of fostering a society where all individuals, regardless of ability, have the opportunity to thrive. The partnership between the NCPWD and NDE marks a crucial step in eliminating barriers and unlocking economic potential for PWDs across Nigeria.