The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has issued a strong warning to airlines operating in Nigeria over the continued discrimination against persons with disabilities, describing recent reports as a blatant violation of the law and an assault on human dignity.
In a press statement released on Monday, the Commission expressed deep concern over complaints that some airlines routinely deny persons with disabilities the opportunity to fly, especially on what they describe as “small travel jets.” According to the NCPWD, these actions not only undermine Nigeria’s commitment to inclusion but also contradict both international aviation standards and national legislation.
The Commission revealed that it has received disturbing reports of wheelchair users and other persons with disabilities being turned back at airports or discouraged from traveling because airlines allegedly lack accessible aircraft or are unwilling to make reasonable accommodations. NCPWD described this trend as unacceptable, discriminatory, and unlawful.
Citing international best practices, the Commission urged airlines to comply fully with regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which promote non-discriminatory and inclusive air travel for all passengers. It also referenced the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which clearly spells out the obligations of airlines operating within Nigeria.
According to Section 14 (1) of the Act, all airlines must ensure that:
- Their aircraft are accessible to persons with disabilities; and
- Persons with disabilities are given priority during boarding and disembarkation.
The Commission warned that failure to comply with these provisions will attract sanctions as clearly stipulated by law.
NCPWD described the denial of boarding to persons with disabilities as an infringement on their fundamental rights and a serious setback to the progress Nigeria claims to have made in promoting accessibility and inclusivity since the passage of the Disability Act in 2018. It emphasized that no airline or institution should be allowed to operate in ways that call into question Nigeria’s legal and moral stance on disability rights.
“The continued complaints, inconveniences, and emotional distress suffered by persons with disabilities risk reducing the Prohibition Act to a mere paper tiger,” the Commission stated, stressing that oversight or negligence in this regard will be treated as a violation of rights.
The Commission further noted that discrimination within the aviation sector undermines broader national efforts to promote inclusive development, pointing out that accessibility must cut across all sectors, including air and land transportation.
Reaffirming its mandate as the government body responsible for safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities, the NCPWD warned that it would not hesitate to pursue legal action against defaulting airlines if these practices persist.
The Commission called on relevant regulatory authorities to immediately investigate the reported incidents and ensure that concrete measures are implemented to prevent further discrimination. It also appealed to industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public to join efforts toward building a more inclusive and accessible Nigeria where no one is left behind because of disability.
The statement was signed by Ishaku Kigbu (ANIPR), Head of Media and Publicity, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and dated January 27, 2026.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on the aviation industry to see whether it will align its practices with the law—or face the full weight of legal consequences.
