Olukemi Ade-Adeniji
While having conversation around Persons with disabilities and employment challenges during one of my visits to a non-profit that focuses on policy, human rights and advocacy for Persons with Disabilities, a question suddenly came to me: How are PWDs faring in the employment sector? When I voiced this thought, there came a barrage of answers as well as multiple hurdles any persons with disability, especially in Nigeria, must face. Discussions like this continue to ignite my passion—a passion that had been dormant for some time either as a chartered Human resources professional as well as an academic whom I am who strongly believes no one should be left behind.
That conversation once again reignited my drive, leading me to a new purpose: writing about the challenges PWDs face in securing employment in Nigeria. I do believe my contribution in challenges the status qou that average Persons with disability face will continue to lead to robust outcome that pushes all of us further as well as enlighten people, especially those in positions of influence, and inspire them to drive meaningful change. Anything is possible—that’s my mantra.
The Reality of Employment in Nigeria
Nigeria’s workforce is predominantly informal, with 93% of the working population engaged in some form of business enterprise. As of 2024, the country’s unemployment rate stood at approximately 4.5%. Meanwhile, the civil service, both at the federal and state levels, employs about 1.5 million people.
However, despite all these statistics, there is no official data on the employment status of PWDs in Nigeria—not even from the Bureau of Statistics. This is alarming, considering that PWDs make up an estimated 7% of the country’s population, meaning between 14 to 20 million Nigerians live with some form of disability. The lack of data on their employment situation highlights a disturbing reality: Nigeria has largely ignored this segment of its population. This neglect reflects systemic injustice and unfairness.
The Disability Act and the Need for Awareness
Seven years have passed since the enactment of the Disability Act, yet very little has been documented about the progress made for PWDs. While research has highlighted some of the challenges they face, one key issue remains prominent: public awareness and enlightenment.
Out of curiosity, I explored social media to assess the presence of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. While the Commission has some presence on Facebook, with fewer than 10,000 followers, its visibility on Instagram was weak, and its website was inaccessible. This poor online presence is a clear indicator that awareness remains a significant problem.
If we are serious about improving the lives of PWDs, we must first focus on raising awareness. It is commendable that Nigeria has enacted laws to support them, but legal frameworks alone are not enough. Society needs to understand their needs, fears, struggles, and aspirations. Only through understanding can we create an inclusive environment that fosters equality rather than segregation.
A Shift in Mindset: Inclusion Over Marginalization
The call for inclusivity is not just about helping PWDs—it is about helping ourselves as a nation. A country that embraces all its citizens, including those with disabilities, will experience greater social and economic development. Why? Because when we provide an enabling environment, we unlock talents and abilities that would otherwise be wasted.
The term “disabled” is often misleading. Most PWDs are not disabled; they simply have impairments. What disables them is the lack of opportunity, accessibility, and support. With proper education, skills training, and employment opportunities, they can contribute just as much as anyone else. They are human beings first—born like the rest of us, with dreams and ambitions. Many became disabled due to accidents or illnesses, circumstances beyond their control.
For their sake—and for the betterment of our society—we must take bold steps toward change. It begins with shifting our attitudes, fostering inclusivity, and implementing ambitious interventions that ensure PWDs have equal opportunities in education, employment, and daily life.
Nigeria has the potential to be a nation where everyone, regardless of ability, thrives. The question is: Are we ready to make that change?
#Olukemi Ade-Adeniji(Ph.D) is an HR Consultant who is passionate about workplace inclusion
