The Federal Government is implementing employment, training and entrepreneurship policies and programmes that promote equal opportunities for People Living with Disabilities (PwD).

This is contained in a memorandum submitted by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to the House of Representatives Committee on disability matters during a public hearing on ‘Access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for persons with disabilities in Nigeria’, in Abuja.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who represented the ministry at the event, described the theme of the public hearing as a critical issue that requires collective attention, adding that the ministry recognises the importance of promoting inclusive employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for PwD.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to implementing policies and programmes that promote equal opportunities for PwD in employment, training and entrepreneurship.
The minister said the memorandum also highlights the provisions made by the ministry to support PwD in accessing employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Onyejeocha noted that the National Employment Policy of Nigeria contains specific provisions aimed at promoting the economic inclusion of PWD, including equal employment opportunities, encouraging both public and private sector employers to adopt inclusive hiring policies for PwD, and recommending that workplaces be made accessible to individuals with disabilities through appropriate infrastructure modifications.

The other provisions, she said, also ensure that PwD are protected from discrimination in hiring, remuneration and career advancement, facilitating vocational and technical training tailored to enhance the employability of PwD and promoting access to financial support, grants, and mentorship for such persons to establish and sustain businesses.

She recalled that the ministry had taken concrete steps to promote accessibility and inclusion of PwD within its job placement and entrepreneurial support programmes, including the creation of an accessible job centre, organising monthly entrepreneurship and employability training, collaboration with stakeholders to create sustainable employment opportunities for PwD and offering job placement and counselling services to the affected persons.

Explaining further, Onyejeocha said: “Recognising the need for physical accessibility, the ministry’s job centre is strategically located on the ground floor of the Federal Secretariat Complex to ensure easy access for PwD seeking employment opportunities. The Ministry organises monthly entrepreneurship and employability training programmes with a special focus on PwD. These trainings cover skill development, business management, financial literacy, and job readiness to enhance their economic participation. The ministry partners with relevant stakeholders, including disability-focused organisations, employers and financial institutions, to create sustainable employment and business opportunities for PwD.