The President of the Association of Accessibility Professionals (AAP), Mr. Dapo Taiwo, has called on government, the private sector, civil society organisations, and other critical stakeholders to prioritise and actively support the development of inclusive infrastructure, services, and workplaces for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.
Taiwo made this call during the unveiling of the Association’s 2026 strategic roadmap at a media briefing held in Lagos, where he outlined AAP’s renewed vision, priorities, and commitment to advancing accessibility nationwide.
Addressing journalists, Taiwo stressed that accessibility is not a privilege but a fundamental human right and a critical pillar of social inclusion, economic participation, and sustainable development. According to him, societies that fail to prioritise accessibility risk excluding millions of citizens from fully contributing to national growth.
“Accessibility is the foundation upon which inclusion is built. Without it, Persons with Disabilities are denied equal opportunities to work, learn, move freely, and participate meaningfully in society,” Taiwo said.
He noted that the Association’s 2026 strategy is anchored on building a purposeful, strong, credible, and respected professional body that sets national accessibility standards, strengthens technical capacity, influences public policy, and drives practical implementation across Nigeria’s physical and digital environments.
Taiwo explained that AAP envisions a Nigeria where accessibility is mainstreamed into the planning, design, and delivery of infrastructure and services, rather than treated as an afterthought.
As part of its strategic direction, he revealed that the Association will intensify collaboration with government institutions, private sector players, and civil society organisations to promote inclusive design and ensure compliance with Nigeria’s existing disability legislation. These include the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, as well as Nigeria’s international obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
“The laws are clear, and the obligations are clear. What is needed now is deliberate action, professional competence, and sustained commitment to implementation,” Taiwo said.
He further assured that AAP remains dedicated to fostering partnerships that deliver practical, measurable, and lasting improvements in accessibility across the country, from public buildings and transportation systems to workplaces and digital platforms.
Describing the role of the Association, Taiwo said AAP is a leading professional body committed to advancing disability inclusion and promoting accessibility across Nigeria’s built and digital environments. He explained that the Association brings together professionals from diverse sectors, including architecture, engineering, urban planning, technology, policy, and social development.
“AAP exists to support the development of inclusive infrastructure, services, and workplaces in line with national legislation and global best practices. We work through advocacy, professional standards, capacity building, and sustained stakeholder engagement to promote accessible buildings, transportation systems, public spaces, and digital platforms,” he said.
He also emphasised that accessibility benefits everyone, not just Persons with Disabilities, noting that inclusive design creates safer, more functional, and more user-friendly environments for all members of society, including older persons, children, and people with temporary impairments.
Taiwo urged media professionals to continue playing a critical role in shaping public awareness and accountability around disability inclusion, stressing that sustained advocacy and informed reporting are vital to driving change.
The unveiling of AAP’s 2026 strategy, he said, marks a new chapter for the Association as it intensifies efforts to position accessibility as a national development priority and a shared responsibility across all sectors.
With growing attention on disability rights and inclusive development in Nigeria, Taiwo expressed optimism that stronger collaboration, professional leadership, and adherence to existing laws will translate into a more accessible and inclusive society for Persons with Disabilities and all Nigerians.
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