The Federal Government has issued a strict directive to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), demanding full and immediate compliance with the law reserving five per cent of employment slots for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Era of Excuses is Over, Says SGF Akume
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, delivered the firm order, stating that the government will no longer tolerate excuses for non-compliance. The directive was given at the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities Forum held in Abuja.
The statement was communicated by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga. Senator Akume was represented at the event by a Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Communication, Nadungu Gagare.
Akume declared that Nigeria has entered a new phase of rigorous enforcement of disability rights, applicable across all sectors of society. He emphasized that providing accessibility in public buildings, transport networks, and service channels is now a legal requirement, not a voluntary gesture of goodwill.
Historic Year for Inclusion as Transition Period Ends
The SGF described 2025 as a landmark year for disability inclusion in Nigeria. He pointed out that the five-year grace period allowed for adjustments under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018 has now fully expired.
This expiration means all MDAs are legally bound to demonstrate clear adherence to the provisions of the act. "The Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly committed to building a Nigeria where no one is excluded," Akume stated.
He added a powerful reminder: "Accessibility is no longer optional. It is the law. The era of excuses is over."
A Call for Private Sector Partnership and Smart Economics
Beyond the public sector, Senator Akume called on private businesses to take the lead in championing disability inclusion. He framed this not as an act of charity, but as "smart economics" that fosters innovation, broadens the talent pool, and enhances corporate reputation.
"Disability has never meant inability; it simply reflects a different pathway to contribution," he noted.
Akume stressed that PWDs are not asking for sympathy, but for equal access, opportunity, and fair recognition of their capabilities. He highlighted that they are already active contributors to national development as entrepreneurs, technologists, educators, artisans, and public servants.
He outlined three critical priority actions for national progress:
- Employing qualified PWDs to fulfil the mandatory five per cent quota.
- Providing accessible tools and adaptive work environments.
- Expanding leadership and enterprise opportunities for PWDs, including targeted support for businesses owned by them.
"Inclusion must be reflected in our budgets, infrastructure, hiring decisions, corporate strategies and daily interactions. Nigeria cannot rise fully while leaving talent behind," Akume concluded.
The SGF commended the Office of the Deputy Speaker and the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Foundation for hosting the forum, describing it as perfectly timed as Nigeria embarks on this new era of full legal enforcement for disability rights.
