Excluding PWDs from Workforce is Economic Sabotage – Kalu

By Oluwakemi Kindness

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has described the continued exclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from Nigeria’s workforce as a human rights violation and “economic sabotage.

He warned that no country can grow its GDP while sidelining millions of capable citizens.

Kalu made the remarks at the Policy Forum on Advancing Workplace Inclusion for PWDs, organised by the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation in partnership with his office, the Australian Embassy, and other stakeholders.

“We cannot realistically aim to grow Nigeria’s GDP or build a resilient economy while locking out millions of capable, driven, and valuable citizens from the workforce. Economic exclusion of PWDs is economic sabotage,” he said.

Legislation vs Implementation

While noting that the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018 was a landmark step, Kalu pointed out that poor implementation across public and private sectors has limited its impact.

He stressed that the statutory 5% employment quota for PWDs in public institutions is non-negotiable and vowed that the 10th House will enforce compliance:

“The era of mere advocacy is over. We are now in the era of oversight. The House Committee on Disability Matters has full backing to ensure MDAs account for their recruitment practices.”

A Call for Inclusive Business Practices

Kalu urged businesses to go beyond physical accessibility and implement policies that actively recognise talent and ability.

“Inclusion goes beyond building ramps; it requires restructuring corporate DNA. It demands HR policies that seek out ability, digital accessibility, and reasonable accommodation,” he said.

He highlighted that exclusionary practices are not only discriminatory but also undermine business performance, leading to lost talent, innovation, and profit.

Turning Commitments into Jobs

The Deputy Speaker commended the organisers for convening the forum and emphasised that commitments must translate into measurable progress:

“Dialogue must lead to data. The commitment forms signed today must translate into employment letters tomorrow. The next report on workplace inclusion must be a record of breakthroughs, not barriers.”

He reassured that the House is ready to provide legislative support to ensure full workplace inclusion for PWDs nationwide.