UN Advocates Inclusion of PWDs in Procurement Processes in Nigeria

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United Nations (UN) has advocated  the inclusion of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in procurement processes.

The advocacy was made in Abuja yesterday  by the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, at the one-day symposium with the theme, ‘UN procurement: advancing opportunities for PWD.’

Fall, who was represented by UN Nigeria Operation Management Team (OMT), Vanessa Phala,  who  also doubles as Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Fall said: “The symposium is organised by the procurement network at the core of the network, to ensure procurement of UN goods and services is fair, transparent and inclusive.

“Last year, a similar symposium was organised and targeted on inclusion of female entrepreneurs to equally give opportunities to women that are enterprising in business.

“This symposium is mainly focusing on PWD, to ensure we include PWD in the  services and goods we want to procure on behalf of the UN.

“This is to foster collaboration with PWD: we cannot issue forms for submission of proposals and PWD do not understand rules that governs procurement of UN goods and services.

“So, the symposium further created opportunities for PWD to understand best practices and explore innovative strategies in procurement process, especially for businesses owned by PWD.”

Disability, Diversity and Inclusion (DDI) Analyst of the UN Disability Inclusion Technical Working Group, Olawunmi Laolu-Akande, commended the event to be apt in closing gaps between PWD and business world.

She said: “As we gathered here today, we have learnt about the critical roles that procurement professionals play in shaping an inclusive and accessible business world.

“The inclusion of PWD in procurement processes will not only boost opportunities for them, but pave way for sustainable future.

“The UN inclusive procurement will further ensure that everyone, regardless of disabilities have equal access to opportunities it offers,” Laolu-Akande said.

On her part, Executive-Director, Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative, an NGO, Patience Ogolo-Dickson, decried lack of inclusion policy that resonates with PWD procurement to have hindered their business growth.

“This symposium is a milestone as far as we are concerned, because it creates platform for more opportunities and businesses for PWD, particularly for women with disabilities.

“Many women with disabilities are left behind in business, due to the fact that many people do not see their worth in the business space.

“So, this is a great opportunity for PWD to showcase their ability in procurement of good goods and services,” Ogolo-Dickson said.