House Committee Chair on Disability Matters Commends OHCSF’s Drive for Inclusive Public Service

 Joel Ajayi 

As part of efforts to strengthen disability inclusion within the Nigerian Public Service, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, received the Chairman, House Committee on Disability Matters, Hon. Dr. Bashiru Dawodu, on an official visit to her Office. 

The visit was aimed at fostering strategic collaboration and promoting the implementation of Disability inclusiveness across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) within the Federal Civil Service specifically in areas of accessibility, inclusive 5% recruitment quota and equitable treatment.

 In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Walson-Jack outlined several structural and policy reforms undertaken by the OHCSF to promote a more inclusive and accessible work environment.

These reforms include the remodeling of the OHCSF reception area and retrofitting of some sanitary facilities to accommodate Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), construction of ramps and issuance of Circulars to all MDAs on the engagement of sign language interpreters from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities during events and programmes. 

Reaffirming the Office’s commitment to the effective implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation stated that to ensure compliance with the statutory 5% recruitment quota for PWDs, the OHCSF is transitioning from issuing substantive employment waivers to initial provisional waivers, which mandates MDAs to submit verifiable documented evidence of compliance before granting final approvals.

 “This will enable us to track progress more effectively and ask the critical question: Where is the 5% employment for persons with disabilities?” she noted. She further highlighted that these reforms align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes inclusive growth and development for all Nigerians. In addition, she announced that a Civil Service Policy on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is being developed to support the implementation of the Disability Inclusion Act. 

In recognition of its stride in accessibility compliance the Federal Ministry of Works was honoured at the 2025 Rewards and Recognition Award Ceremony to stir other MDAs to follow suit. She also stated that arrangements have been concluded to convene a roundtable meeting with PWDs and other relevant stakeholders in the coming days In his remarks, Hon. Dr. Dawodu commended the OHCSF for its leadership and tangible efforts in advancing disability inclusion.

He urged all MDAs to undertake comprehensive accessibility audits, obtain Disability Compliance Certificates, and ensure that frontline staff are adequately trained to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), the statutory body charged with enforcing compliance with accessibility standards across government institutions.  

The visit concluded with a renewed commitment to deepen institutional reforms, strengthen enforcement of inclusive policies, and promote collaborative action towards building a truly inclusive Federal Civil Service where no one is left behind.

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