The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) said it has initiated a formal investigation into Rano Air following allegations of discrimination against Alhaji Usman Bura Gabai, the State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities.
The incident, which occurred at Maiduguri International Airport, involved Mr. Gabai being denied boarding because he was using a wheelchair. Representatives from Rano Air were invited and the issues were extensively discussed by the NCPWD’s investigative panel.
In the course of the investigation, the Commission requested Rano Air to change its policy that denied persons with disabilities boarding the aircraft.
Rano Air has also taken drastic measures to repeal it’s discriminatory policy and practices and assured of commitment to accommodating persons with disabilities.
It has initiated comprehensive review of ticketing and booking procedures. The airline has now introduced measures to provide special consideration for persons with disabilities.
Six-person committee was inaugurated by Rano Air to ensure effective implementation of these changes.
Rano Air and disability commission initiated a collaborative effort to train their staff on disability laws and regulations to enhance the quality of service better understanding of the needs of persons with disabilities among the airline’s employees.
The airline has also reviewed its contract with its Passenger Service Agent (PSA) to ensure that the boarding and deboarding processes comply with disability rights.
INN reports that the airline has begun constructing ramps at their offices in line with accessibility protocols, demonstrating their commitment to improving infrastructure for better accessibility.
Dr. James David Lalu, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, while assuring the general public of providing more updates on progress, reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to enforcing disability rights laws and ensuring the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities are upheld.
The commission encourages the general public to recognize the importance of this issue and to support efforts to eliminate discrimination against persons with disabilities.