MTN Nigeria has significantly increased the representation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in its workforce, projecting a rise to 2.13 percent by 2025 from 0.9 percent in 2021. This substantial progress was unveiled at the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) commemoration, where the telecommunications giant emphasized its commitment to fostering truly inclusive societies. Executives stated unequivocally that this growth stems from deliberate structural reforms and strategic investments, rather than being driven by charitable initiatives.

Esther Akinnukawe, the Chief Human Resources Officer at MTN Nigeria, highlighted the company’s diversity agenda as one rooted firmly in “investment and accountability.” She explained that these advancements are bolstered by a comprehensive and structured reasonable accommodation framework, which ensures that the company’s brand resonates with all segments of society. This strategic approach underscores a deliberate and proactive effort to integrate PWDs into the core workforce.

To support this inclusive vision, MTN has implemented substantial facility upgrades across its extensive operations. These critical enhancements include the installation of accessible ramps, the modification of workspaces to significantly improve navigation and functionality, and the integration of hearing loops in its customer-facing centres. Such physical adjustments are designed to create an environment where all employees and customers can interact and move with ease and independence.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the company has also meticulously integrated a dedicated disability segment into its customer lifecycle system, streamlining services for PWDs. Furthermore, MTN continues its impactful IT Bridge Academy internship programme, now successfully in its second year. This initiative specifically targets bridging the crucial digital skills gap for Persons with Disabilities, thereby equipping them for broader and more competitive opportunities within the wider labour market.

Egerton Idehen, Chief Broadband Officer, representing Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola, articulated that MTN’s “Beyond Barriers” plan represents a critical sustainability imperative for the organisation. He underscored the profound economic implications of excluding PWDs, citing estimates that approximately 35 million Nigerians live with visible or invisible disabilities. Idehen stressed that such exclusion leads to significant economic loss and actively hinders national development and progress.

“Inclusion is essential for innovation, growth, and national development,” Idehen affirmed, reinforcing the strategic importance of diversity to the company’s future. The IDPWD forum also delved into crucial corporate culture issues, with experts urging a fundamental shift in perception regarding disability inclusion. This call for change aims to embed inclusivity as a core governance standard rather than a discretionary corporate social responsibility activity.

Dolapo Agbede, a prominent diversity, equity, and inclusion expert, delivered a compelling keynote address on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). She passionately advocated for companies to transition from viewing inclusion as merely a “nice to do” CSR activity to a “right to do” governance standard, emphasizing both legal and ethical obligations. This perspective challenges organisations to formalize and deepen their commitment to accessibility.

The forum also provided a vital platform for addressing specific challenges faced by PWDs. Tolani Ojuri, Lagos State chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, led an insightful session on pervasive myths and workplace stigma surrounding albinism. He called for urgent policy reforms to ensure robust protection and comprehensive support for employees living with this condition, fostering a more understanding and accommodating workplace environment.

Personal experiences powerfully underscored the tangible impact of these initiatives. Moderator David Ubon shared his own insights into how reasonable accommodations frequently bridge the gap between exclusion and exceptional performance. An MTN staff member, David Orinya, echoed this sentiment, stating, “My difference is not a barrier here, it is a unique perspective,” highlighting the company’s supportive and empowering culture.

MTN leadership concluded the event by reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the “Beyond Barriers” roadmap. They stated unequivocally that ensuring accessibility in both digital infrastructure and physical workspaces will remain a fundamental and non-negotiable component of the company’s corporate strategy moving into 2025. This commitment signals a sustained and deep-seated effort towards achieving a truly inclusive operational model across all facets of its business.

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