In a momentous step towards achieving nationwide accessibility, the Association of Accessibility Professionals (AAP) paid a strategic visit on Friday to Hon. Dr. Bashir Dawodu, Chairman of the House Committee on Disability, at the National Assembly in Abuja. The high-level meeting set the stage for a groundbreaking partnership focused on promoting disability inclusion and ensuring that accessibility standards become embedded across all sectors in Nigeria.
The AAP delegation, led by its Founder and Board Chairman, Barrister Yusuf Iyodo, was warmly welcomed by Hon. Dawodu. During the meeting, AAP introduced its vision and sought to align its goals with the legislative agenda of the House Committee on Disability. The partnership promises to accelerate the implementation of accessibility initiatives, making Nigeria more inclusive for people with disabilities.
AAP’s Mission: Building on Global Models, Tailored for Nigeria
Speaking at the meeting, Barr. Yusuf Iyodo expressed appreciation for Hon. Dawodu’s leadership in championing disability inclusion, particularly his efforts to push for accessibility compliance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Iyodo noted that the AAP, the first association of its kind in West Africa, was modeled after the globally recognized International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) headquartered in the United States.
“Many of our members are already pursuing professional certifications through IAAP,” Iyodo said. “Our goal is to replicate similar certifications within Nigeria, equipping professionals with the knowledge to ensure environments, services, and products are fully accessible to people with disabilities.”
Iyodo emphasized that the association’s objective is to act as an extension of government institutions, supporting their efforts to implement disability policies more effectively. “We are here to formally introduce the AAP to the committee and propose a partnership that will strengthen the promotion of accessibility across Nigeria,” he added.
AAP: A Hub for Accessibility Advocacy and Professional Development
Providing deeper insights into the association’s mission, AAP President, Mr. David Onuh Attah, described the organization as a unifying platform for professionals and organizations dedicated to improving accessibility.
“AAP’s work spans multiple areas, including professional development, networking, policy advocacy, digital and web accessibility, inclusive design, and assistive technology,” Attah explained. “Our goals align with those of government bodies, civil society organizations, and accessibility professionals, enabling us to drive meaningful change and establish accessibility standards across organizations in Nigeria.”
Attah expressed optimism that the partnership with Hon. Dawodu’s committee would enhance policy advocacy and lead to the practical implementation of accessibility initiatives across sectors.
Hon. Dawodu Welcomes the Partnership and Outlines Legislative Achievements
In his response, Hon. Dr. Bashir Dawodu commended the AAP’s forward-thinking mission and highlighted the importance of collaborations like these in advancing the accessibility agenda.
“Our committee’s mandate extends beyond oversight and legislation,” Dawodu remarked. “It also includes advocating for the full inclusion of people with disabilities and addressing accessibility challenges at all levels.”
He detailed some of the committee’s recent achievements, such as ongoing amendments to the National Disability Act and Nigeria’s constitution to address accessibility gaps. Notably, the House of Representatives had recently introduced sign language interpreters during plenary sessions to ensure inclusive communication.
“Our efforts are not limited to laws alone,” Dawodu continued. “We are actively pushing motions that address empowerment and accessibility while monitoring MDAs to ensure compliance.”
Recognizing the expertise within the AAP, Hon. Dawodu formally incorporated the association’s trustees into a newly created Accessibility Subcommittee of the House of Representatives. This subcommittee will play a vital role in shaping and reviewing policies related to disability inclusion and accessibility.
AAP Assigned Key Role in Assessing Accessibility of MDAs
As part of the partnership, Hon. Dawodu tasked the AAP with conducting accessibility assessments of MDAs currently under legislative review. The assessments will help identify gaps and recommend practical solutions to enhance the accessibility of public services and infrastructure.
In a further demonstration of commitment to the cause, Hon. Dawodu invited the AAP to join ongoing accessibility evaluations of certain government facilities, emphasizing the importance of immediate collaboration. The meeting also concluded with plans to convene a follow-up session involving AAP, lawmakers, and key stakeholders in the built environment sector to explore ways of enhancing physical accessibility nationwide.
A New Era of Accessibility and Inclusion
The partnership between the House Committee on Disability and the AAP represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards full disability inclusion. With professional expertise from the AAP and legislative support from Hon. Dawodu’s committee, the collaboration is expected to drive impactful actions that go beyond policy rhetoric.
“This is not just about creating accessible spaces,” Barr. Iyodo reflected. “It is about creating a society where no one is left behind, where people with disabilities can thrive in an environment that meets their needs.”
Hon. Dawodu echoed these sentiments, noting that the synergy between government and professional bodies is critical to transforming policies into actions that will enhance the lives of people with disabilities. “Accessibility is not a favor—it is a right,” Dawodu concluded. “And with partnerships like this, we are moving closer to making that right a reality for every Nigerian.”
Conclusion: Building a More Inclusive Nigeria Together
The AAP’s strategic visit to the National Assembly signals the beginning of a dynamic partnership aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s accessibility landscape. With legislative backing and professional expertise, the collaboration is set to fast-track the implementation of disability inclusion initiatives, ensuring that accessibility becomes a core component of the country’s development agenda.
As the AAP takes on its new responsibilities, including assessing MDAs and collaborating with stakeholders, Nigeria is poised to witness transformative changes that will positively impact the lives of people with disabilities. This partnership is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a powerful step toward creating a society where accessibility and inclusion are the norm, not the exception.
The AAP’s visit and the ensuing collaboration with Hon. Dawodu’s committee reflect a growing movement of stakeholders committed to advancing disability rights in Nigeria. With a shared vision and concerted efforts, the journey toward an inclusive Nigeria has begun in earnest.
