Project Enable Africa Convenes Stakeholders to Advance Workplace Inclusion for Person with Disabilities.

At Project Enable Africa, we observe International Workers’ Day not just to celebrate but also to advocate for workplace inclusion. Since 2024, we have used this day to advocate for the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the workforce.

At the second edition of our Workers Day event, we convened key stakeholders from government, the private sector, development sector, and business communities—including representatives from the entertainment, hospitality, and finance sectors towards advancing discussions on the current state of workplace inclusion and building direct dialogue between decision-makers and PWDs in Nigeria. These conversations provided insight into lived experiences from PWDs and sparked new ideas for real change towards a more inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued.

In her opening remark, Ms. Oluwayemisi Adekunle, a board member at Project Enable Africa, highlighted that persons with disabilities continue to face systemic exclusion, especially in opportunities to access decent and fulfilling work, limiting their potential for financial mobility, prosperity and this sadly often reinforces a cycle of poverty.

While giving his goodwill message, Radisson Hotel, represented by their General Manager, Mr Yehia Elmansoury, gave a heartfelt address while reiterating the Radisson Hotel’s commitment to driving inclusion by ensuring PWDs are granted equal opportunities during recruitment and employment of talents. He said that “embracing inclusivity not only embraces social responsibility but also enriches the organisation’s structure and productivity”.

The panel discussion titled “Bridging the Gap: Advancing Workplace Policies for Disability Inclusion” provided an opportunity to share real-life experiences from employers of persons with disabilities, persons with disabilities, and organisations of persons with disabilities. One of the key highlights was provided by the moderator, Ms Tobiloba Ajayi, who said, “While there are approximately 18 million PWDs of working age in Nigeria, only 54,000 are gainfully employed, highlighting a major gap in the demand for PWDs in the formal sector.”

Barr. Lukman Salami Bolarinwa, Chairman JONAPWD Lagos State Chapter, during the panel session, emphasised that investing in the employability of PWDS is not charity. It is smart economics. Inclusive employment policies, targeted skills training, and better access to financial tools can unlock potential, drive innovation, and increase household incomes for PWDs. Ms Chidinma Annabel Nwandu, a Project Enable Africa Alumni and current staff at International Breweries, stated that “persons with disabilities must also be intentional about upskilling themselves to make a meaningful impact when given an opportunity to work.”

At the end of the event, the Acting Executive Director of Project Enable Africa, Olalekan Owonikoko, called on all sectors and stakeholders to move beyond symbolic gestures and commit to practical steps that drive workplace inclusion for persons with disabilities. The time for dialogue has passed—what’s needed now is action, accountability, and sustained investment in inclusive practices that leave no one behind.