Civil service commission chair tasks NCPWD on reliable data for PWDs

Tunji Olaopa, chair of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), has urged the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD) to pool reliable data of its members.

Olaopa spoke on Wednesday, when officials of the NCPWD, led by Ayuba Gufwan, the commission’s executive secretary, paid him a courtesy visit.

He said the disability commission should explore factors responsible for increase in disabilities, and how this can be addressed, adding that reliable data will help the commission in its advocacy.

The FCSC boss commended President Bola Tinubu for “supporting the commission”, while promising to bring the alleged discrimination against persons with disabilities (PWDs) by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to the attention of the head of service of the federation (HoS).

He said FCSC dutifully adheres to the statutory provision that five percent of its employment should be for PWDs, but challenged NCPWD to clearly define who qualifies as disabled.

Olaopa added that the commission should educate its members on the need to utilise available vacancies. He said FCSC will create a direct communication channel with the disability commission.

He also asked the commission to relate with non-governmental organisations, agencies and the private sector.