On February 11, 2025, the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), with support from the MacArthur Foundation, organized a pivotal public hearing on “Access to Employment & Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities” in Nigeria. The event, held at the National Assembly, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to address critical issues concerning the participation of persons with disabilities in the workforce and entrepreneurial landscape.
The Public Hearing served several key objectives:
- Fostering Constructive Dialogue: The hearing aimed to facilitate a productive conversation among stakeholders to discuss and address the most pressing issues related to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
- Emphasizing Inclusion and Equal Opportunities: A primary goal of the event was to highlight the critical importance of inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities within the workforce, with the ultimate aim of increasing their access to these opportunities.
- Soliciting Ideas for Implementation: The gathering also sought to gather ideas and suggestions from attendees, creating a platform for the development of actionable solutions that could address the employment challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the country.
The insights and proposals shared at the Public Hearing hold the potential to create transformative changes in the employment landscape for persons with disabilities, opening doors to greater opportunities in both the workforce and the entrepreneurial sector.
Key Highlights from the Public Hearing include:
Abdullahi Aliyu Usman, National President of JONAPWD: A Call for Empowerment and Inclusivity
In his welcome speech, Abdullahi Aliyu Usman, the National President of JONAPWD, emphasized the vital role of empowerment in reducing stigma and discrimination against persons with disabilities. He stated, “By focusing on their strengths, empowerment programs can shift people’s attention away from disabilities and promote inclusivity.” His words underscored the importance of creating an environment that values and uplifts persons with disabilities, focusing on their abilities rather than limitations.
The President also highlighted the alarmingly high rates of poverty and illiteracy among persons with disabilities, stressing that these issues must be addressed to promote true equality. As he put it, “Empowerment through education, employment, and economic opportunities can help persons with disabilities overcome these challenges.”
Honorable Nkeiruka Onyejeocha: Government’s Commitment to Inclusive Employment
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Honorable Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, also spoke at the Public Hearing, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to creating equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in both employment and entrepreneurship. She remarked, “The government’s efforts to promote inclusive employment opportunities for persons with disabilities are a step in the right direction.”
Her address also touched on the need to address accessibility challenges while promoting inclusive education and employment practices. The government’s approach includes providing targeted training and resources to employers to aid in the recruitment and retention of persons with disabilities. “This includes providing training and resources for employers to support the recruitment and retention of persons with disabilities,” she explained.
The discussions held during the Public Hearing are a significant step toward a more inclusive and accessible workforce for persons with disabilities in Nigeria. As these conversations continue, the hope is that the suggestions and insights shared will lead to meaningful actions that create a more equitable society for all.
