The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing accessibility provisions outlined in the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
During a meeting with the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), led by Executive Director Grace Jerry, NCPWD’s Executive Secretary, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, emphasized that accessibility is a basic right, not a privilege — and institutions failing to comply will face legal action.
Gufwan stated that with over 35 million persons with disabilities in Nigeria, public buildings must be inclusive for all, and those that fail to meet accessibility standards will face consequences. He stressed that the era of impunity is over, and under his leadership, the Commission would aggressively pursue full enforcement of accessibility laws to ensure persons with disabilities can participate in society without physical barriers.
Acknowledging that enforcement remains a challenge five years after the Act’s passage, Gufwan assured that NCPWD, in collaboration with stakeholders, will strengthen efforts to tackle non-compliance.
The meeting also featured a presentation by IFA on its Accessibility Monitoring Website — a digital platform designed to track and report accessibility standards across public buildings, including government offices, schools, healthcare facilities, and businesses.
Grace Jerry, Executive Director of IFA, highlighted the urgent need for stronger enforcement, noting that many public buildings remain inaccessible despite legal mandates. She stressed the importance of collaboration with NCPWD to ensure accessibility laws are fully implemented and non-compliant institutions are held accountable.
In response, Gufwan outlined the Commission’s next steps, including reviewing the platform’s data to support enforcement efforts, strengthening partnerships with government agencies, and intensifying public awareness campaigns to promote accessibility standards.
The meeting marked a renewed commitment between NCPWD and IFA to ensure that public spaces across Nigeria become fully accessible for persons with disabilities.
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