Unmet promises of employment for Nigeria’s Persons with Disabilities is driving resilience for some. But should the government fail them?
Benedict Ukwu
The World Bank Group Nigeria has said that out of 18 million People with Disabilities(PWDs) in Nigeria, only 0.3 percent are gainfully employed. This falls far short of the promised 5% employability envisioned in the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act passed on January 23, 2019.
Despite this doomed statistics, a glimpse into the lives of some individuals with disabilities reveals stories of triumph over adversity. They have turned challenges into entrepreneurial success despite facing mobility-related impairments without the government’s pledged 5% employability quota. Many of the sources we spoke to have had to search for a job with no results for months and tears. Left with no option, many of them found a way out and here are their stories.
Turning Challenges into Entrepreneurial Success
Abdul Idris, a person with mobility-related impairments, recounted his journey in Abuja which went from sweeping bridges to launching his electronics business. This is despite constant arrest and harassment by the task force during his bridge-sweeping days. In an interview with Abdul Idris, he recounted what led to his impairment.
“When I was small my mother gave me kerosene to drink when we were on the farm thinking it was water”. This was the beginning of my problems. “Initially I was walking but associated complications led to immobility in my legs. My parents died and I grew up with my elder brother. My growing up has always been like this”, he said.
Married with two children, Idris raised capital to start his business from sweeping pedestrian bridges. “One day while sweeping the bridge, a task force came to arrest almajiris, they arrested me too and locked me up for two days. As fortune will have it, it was during this incarceration and associated problems that I met a good Nigerian who helped me to kick start this business. May God bless that soul abundantly”, he said.
Now a successful entrepreneur, Idris supports his family through the profits from his thriving business.
Idris’ story highlights the resilience of individuals who refuse to be defined by limitations and government negligence. His determination serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with the right support, people with disabilities can break free from societal constraints.
Sweeping Bridges for a Better Tomorrow
Nafi’u Badamasi, also a person facing mobility-related challenges, shared his daily routine of sweeping bridges in the early hours, hoping for the generosity of compassionate passersby.
Nafiu Badamus (PC: Ben Ukwu)
He was a farmer who sustained injuries without financial means for treatment. He said, “I sustained my injury while doing farm work because of lack of money to treat myself. The injury developed to this extent now where I am no longer able to walk again. The only means for me to see food is to sweep this place”
Despite his challenges, Badamasi’s resilience and determination to seek a brighter future illustrate the harsh reality that some individuals with disabilities endure.
Navigating the business world with Visual Impairment
Isa Ismail, a visually impaired individual, shared his experience navigating the business world despite his visual challenges. In the face of economic uncertainties, Ismail started a small business, leveraging his ability to assemble goods, manage transactions, and turn a profit.
Isa Ismail, a visually impaired trader (PC: Ben Ukwu)
He narrated how he raised capital to start the business. He said, “I started this business after I begged for money. It is from this business that I eat and also assist myself.”
Where are the employment Opportunities for PWDs?
On January 23, 2019, the former President Muhammadu Buhari passed the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act. This Act provides for more inclusion for Persons with Disability. Sections 28 and 29 of this Discrimination Act require that 5% allotments be reserved for PWDs.
The experience of many persons with disabilities is that the discrimination is still there. Beyond this, not many opportunities are provided for PWDs. The barriers and related challenges associated with job search for PWDs are huge
Is Nigeria’s Workforce Inclusive?
Sussan Kelechihuoma, a gender and social inclusion advocate and beneficiary of the 5 percent employability opportunity, raised concerns. She highlighted that considerations like academic qualifications, awareness, and willingness may deter some PWDs from seizing employment opportunities.
Susan Ihuoma, a mobility- impaired person and social inclusion advocate (PC: Ben Ukwu)
Government Social Inclusion Programs:
The Executive Secretary, National Disability Commission, Mr. James Lalu, recently revealed that the federal government would launch the presidential special intervention program for persons with disabilities this year. Also the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, upon assumption of office, reassured of the government’s dedication to equity across generations in the distribution of federal government social intervention programs.
The Nigerian Government can reduce the level of unemployment among PWDs by providing the standards, policy, guidelines on accessibility; raises awareness for disability and direct support for organizations willing to employ PWDs through assistive technologies.
As Nigeria approaches the conclusion of this Prohibition Act five-year transition plan in January 2024, with a majority of people with disabilities seeking implementation of some sections of the Act, questions plaguing all for answers is Where is the 5% Employability for Persons with Disabilities?
Benedict Ukwu, a broadcast Journalist, fellow of Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals Disability and Inclusion reporting 2023 executed in conjunction with Centre for Disability and Inclusion Africa, sent this in from Abuja as part of the requirement as fellow of the project..
