By Mustapha Salisu, Kano
The Kano Youth Wing of the Nigeria Association of the Blind has petitioned relevant authorities over the alleged discrimination against a visually impaired job applicant during a recruitment exercise conducted by D-Light Solar Energy in Kano.
In a petition signed by its Youth Leader, Comrade Hamza Aminu Fagge, and made available to journalists on Friday, the association alleged that Mr. Yusuf Adam Muhammad was denied employment despite successfully completing all stages of the recruitment process for the position of Solar Retailer.
According to the association, Yusuf met all the recruitment requirements and had disclosed his visual impairment during the virtual interview. However, it claimed that he was later denied the opportunity solely because of his disability.
The petition further alleged that on June 25, 2026, Yusuf was kept waiting at the company’s Kano office from about 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. before he was given N1,000 for transportation by the Area Business Manager, Mrs. Mansura Isa, and asked to return home with a promise that he would be contacted. The association said he was never offered the job.
The group described the alleged action as a violation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which guarantees equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and provides that at least five per cent of employment opportunities in public and private institutions should be reserved for persons with disabilities.
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The association also alleged that a courtesy visit letter addressed to Aspira Nigeria Ltd was rejected on the grounds that the company does not entertain disability-related matters.
It expressed concern that such alleged actions continue to create barriers for qualified persons with disabilities, preventing them from contributing meaningfully to society despite possessing the required qualifications.
The association called on the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, security agencies, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders to investigate the allegations and ensure that appropriate action is taken in accordance with the law. As of the time of filing this report, D-Light Solar Energy had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition.