The Accelerate Disability Inclusion in Emergencies (ADIE) Forum, a prominent coalition of Civil Society Organisations and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) dedicated to safeguarding the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, has strongly condemned an incident of alleged discrimination against one of its co-chairpersons, Comrade Christian Agbo, by the staff of Stanbic IBTC, Area 3 Garki Branch in Abuja.
In an open letter addressed to the branch manager of Stanbic IBTC, ADIE Forum demanded a public apology and immediate commitment from the bank to end discriminatory practices against persons with disabilities. The letter, jointly signed by Grace Jerry, Co-chairperson of ADIE Forum and Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), and Comrade Christian Agbo, Co-chairperson of ADIE Forum and Executive Director of The Qualitative Magazine, Amb. Jake Epelle, CEO, Taf Africa, Lois Auta, ED, Cedar Seed Foundation, Beatrice Mube, Woman Leader, Joint National Association Of Persons With Disabilities FCT Chapter, Dr. Chike Okogwu, ED, Centre For Ability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment (CARE), Donald Unanka, ED, Potter’s Gallery Initiative, among others at the forum decried the incident as a flagrant violation of human rights and an affront to Nigeria’s legal framework on disability inclusion.
A Callous Encounter at the Bank
According to the letter issued by the ADIE Forum, the unfortunate incident occurred on September 19, 2024, when Comrade Christian Agbo visited the Stanbic IBTC Area 3 Garki branch for a routine banking transaction. What should have been a smooth process turned into a harrowing ordeal as Comrade Agbo was subjected to blatant ableist behavior by the bank’s staff, including the branch manager.
For nearly three hours, Comrade Agbo, a respected disability rights advocate, was reportedly kept waiting and was repeatedly advised to travel to another Stanbic IBTC branch in Maitama to complete his transaction. This demand not only disregarded his specific needs as a person with a disability but also contravened the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which mandates that public spaces and services must be fully accessible to persons with disabilities.
Inaccessibility and Insensitivity: A Violation of Disability Rights Law
The ADIE Forum emphasized that the Stanbic IBTC branch in question was in itself inaccessible, contrary to the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. This act, which was signed into law to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, requires all public and private establishments to ensure that their facilities and services are accessible. It is designed to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal access and opportunities for persons with disabilities across all sectors.
Grace Jerry, Co-chairperson of ADIE Forum, expressed her disappointment at the lack of awareness and sensitivity displayed by the bank staff, stating, “It is unacceptable that in this day and age, financial institutions such as Stanbic IBTC, which ought to champion inclusive corporate social responsibility, continue to disregard the fundamental rights of persons with disabilities. This incident serves as a glaring reminder that the struggle for accessibility and respect for disability rights is far from over.”
The Demands: A Public Apology and a Commitment to Inclusivity
The ADIE Forum did not mince words in its demands to Stanbic IBTC. In the letter, they explicitly called for a written public apology to Comrade Christian Agbo. The coalition insists that this apology must be made publicly to acknowledge the injustice suffered by Comrade Agbo and to serve as a deterrent against future incidents of discrimination against persons with disabilities.
The ADIE Forum further urged Stanbic IBTC to make a formal commitment toward adopting more disability-inclusive practices within its organization. This includes making all its branches fully accessible to persons with disabilities, training staff on disability rights and etiquette, and ensuring that all customers, regardless of their physical abilities, are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
“We demand that Stanbic IBTC takes this opportunity to show its dedication to inclusivity by not only apologizing but also taking proactive steps to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future,” the letter stated. “It is time for financial institutions to lead by example and demonstrate that they are serious about respecting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.”
A Broader Reflection on Corporate Social Responsibility and Inclusion
The incident involving Comrade Agbo highlights a larger issue of corporate responsibility and the need for financial institutions and other service providers to prioritize disability inclusion in their operations. The ADIE Forum pointed out that companies have a legal and moral obligation to create an environment that is welcoming, accessible, and free from discrimination for all customers, including persons with disabilities.
The letter from ADIE Forum to Stanbic IBTC is not only a demand for justice for Comrade Agbo but also a call to action for the wider corporate sector to review their practices and policies concerning disability inclusion. It serves as a reminder that the rights of persons with disabilities must not be treated as an afterthought but should be integral to all aspects of corporate operations.
A Legal Recourse: Taking a Stand for Disability Rights
The ADIE Forum has made it clear that it will not hesitate to pursue all available legal options to see this matter to a logical conclusion. With the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 serving as a robust legal framework to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, organizations that flout its provisions may face serious consequences, including fines, legal action, and reputational damage.
“We reserve the right to exercise all options under the law to ensure that this matter is resolved appropriately,” emphasized the ADIE Forum. “Disability discrimination is unacceptable, and we will continue to stand up for the rights of persons with disabilities wherever and whenever such rights are violated.”
Reactions from the Disability Community and Stakeholders
The news of the discrimination incident has sparked outrage and concern among members of the disability community and advocates for disability rights. Many have taken to social media to express their solidarity with Comrade Christian Agbo and to call for greater accountability from corporate entities.
“It is disheartening to see that despite the laws and advocacy efforts, persons with disabilities still face discrimination in accessing basic services,” remarked a disability rights advocate. “This case is a wake-up call for all organizations to review their policies and ensure that they are genuinely inclusive.”
Moving Forward: An Opportunity for Change
The incident involving Comrade Agbo is a stark reminder that the journey toward achieving full disability inclusion in Nigeria is ongoing. However, it also presents an opportunity for Stanbic IBTC and other corporate entities to lead the way in creating a society that values and respects the rights of all citizens, regardless of their abilities.
As the ADIE Forum awaits a response from Stanbic IBTC, the broader disability community remains hopeful that this incident will not be in vain but will instead serve as a catalyst for meaningful change.
In the words of Comrade Christian Agbo himself, “Disability rights are human rights, and every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We will continue to fight for a society where persons with disabilities can access services, opportunities, and spaces without discrimination or prejudice.”
