FG Strengthens Disability Inclusion In Public Service

In a bid to enhance disability inclusion within the Nigerian Public Service, the federal government through the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has reaffirmed commitment to implementing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.

This assurance was given during an official visit by the chairman of the House Committee on Disability Matters, Hon Bashiru Dawodu, to the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja yesterday.

In a statement signed by the director of information and public relations, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Eno Olotu, the meeting focused on fostering collaboration to ensure accessibility, equitable treatment and compliance with the mandatory five percent employment quota for persons with disabilities across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

In her welcome address, Walson-Jack outlined key reforms by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) to create a more inclusive work environment.

“These include remodeling the OHCSF reception area for PWD accessibility. Retrofitting sanitary facilities to accommodate PWDs.

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“Constructing ramps in government buildings, and issuing circulars mandating MDAs to engage sign language interpreters from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) during official events.

“To ensure compliance with the statutory 5 percent recruitment quota for PWDs, the OHCSF is transitioning from issuing substantive employment waivers to provisional waivers, requiring MDAs to submit verifiable evidence of compliance before final approvals.

“This will enable us to track progress more effectively and ask the critical question: Where is the 5 percent employment for persons with disabilities?” she said.

She also disclosed that a civil service policy on diversity, equity and inclusion was underway to further support the Disability Inclusion Act.

According to the statement, in recognition of compliance efforts, the Federal Ministry of Works was honored at the 2025 Rewards and Recognition Award Ceremony to encourage other MDAs to emulate best practices, additionally, a roundtable meeting with PWDs and stakeholders is set to hold soon to address further inclusion strategies.

Earlier, the chairman of the House Committee on Disability Matters praised the efforts, urging all MDAs to conduct accessibility audits of their facilities, obtain Disability Compliance Certificates and train frontline staff to better serve PWDs.

He stressed the need for stronger collaboration with the NCPWD, the statutory body enforcing accessibility standards in government institutions.

The meeting ended with both parties pledging to deepen institutional reforms, enforce inclusive policies, and ensure a civil service that leaves no one behind.