By Lanre Oloyede
The disability rights movement in Nigeria marked a pivotal moment as Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, joined stakeholders to lay a foundation for accessibility advocacy at the International Conference on Accessibility in Abuja. Organized by the Association of Accessibility Professionals (AAP, Nigeria) to commemorate the 2024 International Day of Persons With Disabilities (IDPD),
The maiden conference brought together experts and policymakers to advance accessibility standards across the nation.
With the theme, “Towards the Development of Accessibility Industry in Nigeria,” the conference hosted discussions on the barriers limiting accessibility in various sectors, emphasizing the need to strengthen advocacy, education, and policy implementation.
AAP Founder and Chairman: Vision for Accessibility
In his welcome address, Barr. Yusuf Iyodo, founder and chairman governing board of AAP Nigeria, expressed gratitude to Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa for facilitating the association’s formation.
He also acknowledged Hon. (Dr.) Bashir Dawodu, Chairman of the House Committee on Disability Affairs, for legislative support and highlighted AAP’s role in convening professionals from diverse fields, including architecture, engineering, law, and medicine.
“We aim to guarantee accessibility for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) through training, education, and advocacy. Beyond advocacy, we are building an industry that has progressed significantly in other parts of the world. This association will ensure Nigeria is not left behind,” Iyodo declared.
Keynote by Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa
In his keynote address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa reiterated the administration’s commitment to accessibility, calling it the foundation of inclusivity.
“Without accessibility, PWDs cannot access decision-making platforms. Accessibility is central to the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. To this end, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Accessibility to ensure compliance with national accessibility codes across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs),” he announced.
The Senior presidential aide also emphasized plans for inclusive transportation systems, including accessible commercial vehicles and airplanes, and pledged continuous collaboration with stakeholders.
“My office remains open to partnerships that advance accessibility for PWDs. Together, we can build a future where everyone thrives,” he added.
Legislative Backing for Accessibility
Hon. (Dr.) Bashir Dawodu, Chairman House Committee on Disability Affairs, commended AAP’s innovative approach to accessibility. Highlighting Section 2 of the National Disability Act, which mandates accessible public buildings, he shared ongoing legislative efforts to investigate compliance and promised to collaborate with AAP to enforce accessibility standards.
Insights from AAP President and Global Experts
AAP Nigeria’s National President, Mr. David Attah, urged stakeholders to unite in creating a barrier-free society.
International speakers contributed global perspectives, including:
- Friedrich Radi (Germany): Highlighted digital accessibility imperatives.
- Diwesh Kumar Mishra (India): Discussed financing accessibility development.
- Ngozi Ugoji (Nigeria): Shared best practices for sectoral growth.
- Barr. Daniel Onwe (Nigeria): Provided legal frameworks for enforcement.
- Lois Auta (Nigeria): Shared personal experiences in overcoming accessibility challenges.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
The conference concluded with actionable strategies, including:
- Encouraging Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to model accessibility best practices.
- Expanding Nigeria’s standards to cover digital and service-based accessibility.
- Leveraging litigation to ensure compliance with accessibility laws.
- Developing innovative funding sources for accessibility projects.
About AAP, Nigeria
AAP Nigeria, headquartered in Abuja, champions accessibility across sectors through advocacy, training, and policy influence. Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, the association aims to advance careers in accessibility and foster inclusive practices nationwide.
With a vision of creating a unique profession dedicated to accessibility rights, AAP Nigeria provides transformative education and fosters partnerships to promote inclusivity.
As stakeholders left the event inspired, the conference underscored a collective resolve to break barriers and build an accessible Nigeria where PWDs thrive and contribute to national development.
