Laraba MUREY
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, NCPWD, has launched a national employment scheme aimed at promoting disability inclusion in the workplace.
The Head, Media and Publicity, Ishaku Kigbu, in a statement explained that the scheme, unveiled in Ikeja, Lagos tagged “National Access to Work Scheme,” is designed to provide work-assistive devices and technologies to persons with disabilities (PWDs) employed in private sector organizations.
Kigbu added that the scheme was led by Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, is a collaborative effort between the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, TAF Africa, and Sightsavers. The scheme is designed to provide work-assistive devices and technologies to persons with disabilities, PWDs, employed in private sector organizations, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable labor market in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan noted the importance of disability inclusion in employment stating that, “The Access to Work Scheme is a game-changer for persons with disabilities in Nigeria. By adopting a shared responsibility model between the government and private sector employers, we are breaking down barriers and creating real opportunities for PWDs to thrive in the workforce.”
The scheme follows a “shared responsibility” approach, where the Federal Government, through NCPWD, collaborates with private sector employers to support disability-inclusive workplaces. Through this initiative, the primary beneficiaries persons with disabilities will receive the necessary assistive tools to perform their jobs effectively, while employers will benefit from reduced employment costs and incentives for inclusive hiring practices.
The National Access to Work Scheme aligns with Nigeria’s broader commitment to promoting equal employment opportunities and reducing unemployment among PWDs. By fostering a more inclusive workforce, this initiative contributes to national economic growth while upholding the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
