By Raji Adejoke Taiwo
Adedayo, a wheelchair user and artist, expressed his frustrations with public transportation, recounting the humiliating experience of being lifted onto the BRT bus “like a sack of potatoes” due to the lack of a proper boarding device, such as a ramp. He stressed the importance of providing priority seating for disabled passengers, handrails for support, and color-contrasting handrails and steps to assist individuals with partial sight. He further called for buses to be equipped with ramps and other necessary accessories for people with disabilities.
Adedayo also pointed out that some transport operators have refused to allow PWDs to board, avoiding the responsibility of offering assistance. This, especially after long waiting periods, can be both distressing and dehumanizing. These daily challenges highlight the critical need for more accessible public infrastructure to facilitate easier mobility for PWDs.
Government Initiatives and Recent Developments
As of September 2024, the Nigerian government made notable progress in enhancing accessibility for PWDs, particularly in public spaces and institutions. The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) is actively enforcing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, which mandates both public and private institutions, such as banks, schools, and hospitals, to provide essential facilities like ramps and other accessible infrastructure.
A major development is the expiration of the five-year moratorium on public building accessibility on January 17, 2024. The NCPWD has announced that it will begin sealing off public offices that have not adjusted their structures to accommodate PWDs. A dedicated task force will assess buildings, particularly government offices and ministries, many of which remain non-compliant. Although legislation is in place, many institutions continue to lag behind, prompting stern warnings from the NCPWD. The grace period for building modifications ended in 2023, and sanctions, including possible closures of non-compliant institutions, are now set to be enforced. A recent incident in Abuja, where a wheelchair user was denied access to a bank due to the absence of a ramp, illustrates the ongoing challenges faced by PWDs.
Enforcement of the Law
By September 2024, the NCPWD has not only officially reported sealing off any specific building for non-compliance, but it has clearly stated its commitment to enforcing the law more aggressively. Following the moratorium’s expiration, the commission has announced plans to inspect key buildings and initiate sanctions where necessary. In cases like the denial of access to a wheelchair user at a bank, the NCPWD emphasized that penalties and potential closures will be applied to organizations failing to meet the legal standards for accessibility. It is believed that this effort will further strengthen the belief of Persons with Disabilities in government and humanity at large.
