The Federal Government is set to enforce a policy requiring all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to allocate five percent of employment positions to individuals with disabilities nationwide.
In Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, Mohammed Abba-Isa, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Persons with Disabilities, revealed during a meeting with disabled individuals and stakeholders following his appointment that his office is collaborating with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to empower persons with disabilities.
The goal is to decrease the incidence of individuals with disabilities resorting to begging on the streets.
“All these MDAs must reserve 5 per cent for persons with disability because the only way we are going to caution impacts on persons with disabilities are through employment and empowerment,” Abba-Isa said.
“That is the only way you can even get some out of begging and Mr President will marshal out planned strategies for this.
“A circular has been sent out from the office of the SGF and my office for them to comply. We have a policy on ground already, the issue is the barrier to that policy; how to implement that policy.”
He also suggested the establishment of skills acquisition centers in the six geopolitical zones of the country, providing individuals with disabilities an opportunity to develop valuable skills.