The Federal Government has reiterated its dedication to implementing policies and programs that foster equal opportunities for people with disabilities (PWDs) in employment, training, and entrepreneurship.
This commitment was outlined in a memorandum presented by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to the House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters during a public hearing in Abuja, titled “Access to Employment and Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.”
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, who represented the Ministry at the event, emphasized the importance of addressing the theme of the public hearing, stating that it is a critical issue requiring collective action. She assured the audience that the Ministry understands the significance of fostering inclusive employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for PWDs.
She confirmed the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to implement policies that ensure equal access to employment, training, and entrepreneurship for PWDs. The memorandum outlined the Ministry’s initiatives designed to support PWDs in accessing both employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Onyejeocha highlighted that the National Employment Policy of Nigeria includes specific provisions aimed at promoting the economic inclusion of PWDs. These provisions call for equal employment opportunities, the encouragement of inclusive hiring practices by both public and private employers, and the modification of workplaces to make them more accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Other initiatives mentioned include ensuring PWDs are protected from discrimination in hiring, pay, and career progression; providing vocational and technical training tailored to enhance their employability; and offering financial support, grants, and mentorship to help PWDs establish and grow businesses.
The Minister also recalled the Ministry’s actions to promote accessibility and inclusion in its job placement and entrepreneurial support programs. These include establishing an accessible job center, organizing monthly entrepreneurship and employability training sessions, collaborating with stakeholders to create sustainable employment opportunities for PWDs, and offering job placement and counseling services.
Further elaborating, Onyejeocha explained that recognizing the need for physical accessibility, the Ministry’s job center is located on the ground floor of the Federal Secretariat Complex to ensure easy access for PWDs seeking employment.
In a statement from Patience Onuobia, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, Onyejeocha was quoted saying: “The Ministry organizes monthly entrepreneurship and employability training with a special focus on PWDs. These sessions cover skill development, business management, financial literacy, and job readiness to enhance their economic participation.”
She added, “We collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including disability-focused organizations, employers, and financial institutions, to create sustainable employment and business opportunities for PWDs. The Ministry also actively supports PWDs in securing employment through career counseling, job matching, and advocating for inclusive hiring policies.”
Despite these ongoing efforts, Onyejeocha acknowledged that more needs to be done to address the barriers PWDs face in accessing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. She believes that the public hearing provides a valuable platform to engage stakeholders, share experiences, and propose solutions to these challenges.
To further promote the economic inclusion of PWDs, the Minister recommended strengthening the enforcement of existing policies and laws mandating workplace inclusion and expanding financial and technical support for businesses owned by PWDs.
She also suggested enhanced public awareness campaigns to promote inclusive employment practices and called for greater collaboration between government agencies and private sector stakeholders.
“The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment remains committed to ensuring that PWDs are fully integrated into the labor market and entrepreneurial space. Through continuous policy implementation, targeted training, and stakeholder engagement, the Ministry will continue to advocate for the rights and economic empowerment of PWDs in Nigeria,” Onyejeocha concluded.
