FG, NUJ FCT Move To End Workplace Discrimination Against Journalists With Disabilities
Journalists living with disabilities in Nigeria often face a double burden, the professional risks of practising in a challenging media landscape and the subtle or outright discrimination that stems from physical limitations.
From inaccessible newsrooms to stereotypes that question their competence, many struggle daily to assert their place in the industry.
In a significant move to address this injustice, the Federal Government has pledged stronger action against discrimination, particularly within the media sector.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba, made the commitment in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Committee on Disability.
Hon. Abba assured that the Tinubu administration would work closely with the NUJ to ensure no journalist suffers harassment, exclusion, or mistreatment on account of disability.
He emphasised that creating safe, accessible, and disability-friendly workplaces remains a priority, adding that the media is a crucial partner in amplifying the voices and talents of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“One of our biggest partners in fulfilling this mandate is indeed the media. Without the media, our voices cannot be amplified.
This is why we place a very high premium on our relationship with the NUJ,” he said, commending NUJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, for her foresight in establishing the first-ever disability committee in the Nigerian media industry.
Represented by Council Secretary Comrade Jide Oyekunle, Comrade Ike reaffirmed the NUJ FCT’s commitment to dismantling stereotypes and driving awareness through constructive media campaigns.
“We pledge to use our vast platforms across print, broadcast, and digital media to highlight challenges and showcase progress in advancing disability inclusion,” she said.
Chairman of the NUJ FCT Disability Committee, Comrade Kehinde Akintola, also urged stronger enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018.
He called on Hon. Abba to champion the establishment of a Presidential Committee to ensure compliance across all sectors, noting that six years after its passage, implementation remains weak, especially within the media industry.
The high point of the visit was the presentation of a Charter of Requests to Hon. Abba, signalling a collaborative pathway towards a more inclusive media landscape where journalists with disabilities can work free of harassment and discrimination.
