Abuja, Nigeria – The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has outlined measures to ensure public buildings comply with accessibility standards, reinforcing the government’s commitment to implementing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
Speaking at a Stakeholders’ Meeting that brought together key players, including the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Isa emphasized the need for stricter enforcement and structural adjustments to make government facilities more inclusive. He announced the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee and a Presidential Task Force on Accessibility, which will oversee audits, compliance, and necessary modifications across public institutions.
Despite the progress made, he acknowledged the challenges hindering accessibility compliance, such as limited awareness, inadequate funding, weak enforcement mechanisms, and the underrepresentation of persons with disabilities in decision-making. He stressed the need for increased budgetary allocations, better enforcement strategies, and stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to address these gaps.
Chike Chamberlain Ibeanu of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) also called for a nationwide accessibility audit to assess the current state of public infrastructure. Isa expressed full support for the initiative, while Arc. Joy O. Baderin from the Office of the Head of Civil Service pledged institutional backing to ensure its success.
The meeting marked a critical step in advancing accessibility and inclusion across Nigeria’s public buildings, reinforcing the government’s commitment to creating an environment where persons with disabilities can navigate with ease and dignity.
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