Nigerian Association Of The Blind Advocates For Inclusive Employment Opportunities

The Nigerian Association of the Blind (NAB) has called on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to improve employment opportunities for visually impaired Nigerians.

In a recent appeal, the NAB emphasised that equitable employment is crucial for the visually impaired, providing both dignity and a sustainable livelihood.

The National President, Comrade Stanley Onyebuchi, in a statement said employment remains one of the few avenues for visually impaired individuals to contribute meaningfully to society.

“We are appealing to the government to implement hiring practices that recognise our capabilities. Without targeted support and employment considerations, many visually impaired Nigerians face poverty and social exclusion, unable to access stable job opportunities that allow them to be self-reliant.

“This call for employment consideration is part of a larger appeal by NAB to the federal government to address other pressing issues affecting the visually impaired community, including delays at the Nigerian Farm Craft Training Centre for the Blind in Lagos, where students face indefinite delays in graduation and the lack of scholarships for visually impaired students. These issues are directly tied to our members’ future employability and independence”, the statement read.

The NAB also requested the Federal Government to consider extending the retirement age for visually impaired workers to 65.

“Due to educational and career delays, many visually impaired workers are forced to retire without the financial or emotional stability to support themselves post-retirement.”