We are never carried along in politics or other opportunities. Nobody wants to listen to us.”
That was the frustration expressed by Muhammad Abubakar Enagi, Executive Director of Empowerment Initiative of Persons with Disabilities in Niger State, as he spoke to reporters on what he described as continued exclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) from political appointments, employment and government interventions in the state.
From political inclusion and job opportunities to agricultural support and the long-awaited disability commission, members of the disability community say they have continued to face neglect despite repeated engagements with the government.
While officials insist efforts are ongoing to strengthen disability rights through legal amendments and proposed institutional reforms, disability groups say implementation remains weak.
Enagi alleged that out of about 5,000 political appointments made in the state, only six went to persons with disabilities.
The only political appointments we have are one Senior Special Assistant, one Coordinator and four Special Assistants out of about 5,000 appointments,” he said.
According to him, PWDs are consistently sidelined in governance and decision-making processes.
“We are excluded from development in the state. We suffer a lot of discrimination. Nobody wants to listen to us,” the Executive Director added.
He further claimed that out of about 10,000 permanent and pensionable jobs announced by the governor at a public function, only about 30 went to persons with disabilities.
“When we raise the issue, some officials will say even able-bodied persons have not gotten enough, so how much more persons with disabilities,” Enagi stated.
Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) disability leader in Niger State, Abubakar Musa, corroborated the claims, saying access to opportunities for PWDs often comes through informal networks rather than structured inclusion.
We had to struggle seriously before those 30 slots were approved. We even had to defend them before they were eventually given to us,” he said.
Efforts to reach the Niger State Civil Service Commission for reaction were unsuccessful as of press time.
