TheCable

 Abdullahi Sule, governor of Nasarawa, has approved a five percent employment slot for people with disabilities (PWDs) in the state.

Abigail Waya, the head of service (HoS) in Nasarawa, said in a statement that the governor gave the approval as part of the government’s commitment to provide equal opportunities for all citizens.

Waya added that the governor has also directed all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in the state to reserve five percent of every recruitment exercise for PWDs.

“This directive is in accordance with the domesticated Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act of the state, signed in 2018. It is aimed at ensuring fair access to government employment,” the statement reads.

“Accordingly, I am pleased to convey the directive of the governor to MDAs who are expected to implement it with utmost dedication and commitment.”

In 2018, the federal government signed the discrimination against persons with disabilities (prohibition) act into law, to provide full integration of persons with disabilities into society.

The act prohibits all forms of discrimination against persons with disabilities and imposes sanctions including fines and prison sentences on those who contravene it.

It also stipulates a five-year transitional period for modifying public buildings, structures, and automobiles to make them accessible and usable for people with disabilities