The Federal Government has directed all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to fully comply with the mandatory five per cent employment quota for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), warning that excuses for non-compliance will no longer be tolerated.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, issued the directive on Tuesday at the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities Forum in Abuja.
According to a statement by his media adviser, Yomi Odunuga, Akume said Nigeria has now moved from “transition to enforcement” following the expiry of the five-year moratorium under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
Represented by Ministry of Communication Permanent Secretary Nadungu Gagare, the SGF stressed that accessibility to public buildings, transportation, and public services is now a legal requirement.
He said the Tinubu administration is committed to ensuring full inclusion under the Renewed Hope Agenda, insisting that “accessibility is no longer optional; it is the law. The era of excuses is over.”
Akume also urged the private sector to drive disability inclusion, noting that diversity boosts productivity, innovation, and corporate reputation.
He emphasised that PWDs seek access, opportunity, and fair recognition, not pity.
The SGF outlined three priority actions for national progress:
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Hiring qualified PWDs to meet the 5% quota
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Making workplaces fully accessible
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Expanding leadership and enterprise opportunities for PWDs, including support for PWD-owned businesses
He added that Nigeria cannot achieve full national development while excluding talent.
Akume commended the Deputy Speaker’s Office and the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation for hosting the forum at a crucial time for the advancement of disability rights in the country.
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