The Federal Government has ordered all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to strictly implement the mandatory five per cent employment quota for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), declaring that non-compliance will no longer be tolerated.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, delivered the directive during the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities Forum held in Abuja. The message was conveyed through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga.
Speaking on Akume’s behalf, a Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Communication, Nadungu Gagare, said the government is entering a decisive phase of enforcing disability rights nationwide. He noted that accessibility to public buildings, transportation systems, and essential services is now a legal requirement rather than a voluntary gesture.
Akume described 2025 as a pivotal moment for disability inclusion, reminding stakeholders that the five-year grace period granted under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, enacted in 2018, has officially elapsed.
He stressed that all MDAs must now demonstrate full compliance with the law.
According to him, “Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government is fully committed to building a nation where everyone is included. Accessibility is a legal obligation, not a favour. The time for excuses has passed.”
He also urged private organisations to embrace disability inclusion, stating that it is both economically beneficial and essential for innovation, workforce diversity and corporate credibility. “Disability does not mean inability; it simply represents a different form of strength and contribution,” he said.
Akume noted that PWDs are not seeking pity but equitable access and opportunities, adding that they already make significant contributions across sectors—as entrepreneurs, educators, artisans, public servants and innovators.
He highlighted three major areas of action required for national advancement: employing qualified PWDs to meet the five per cent quota, ensuring accessible work tools and environments, and expanding leadership and business opportunities for PWDs, including supporting enterprises owned by them.
“Inclusion must shape our budgets, infrastructure, recruitment, corporate policies and everyday relationships. Nigeria cannot reach its full potential while sidelining valuable talent,” he stated.
The SGF also expressed appreciation to the Office of the Deputy Speaker and the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation for convening the forum, calling it timely as Nigeria enters a new era of comprehensive enforcement of disability rights.
