Abuja witnessed a powerful display of advocacy and solidarity on Friday as Cedar Seed Foundation, in collaboration with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), led a bold march through the city streets. The Accessibility Walk, a key part of their ongoing Accessibility 365 (#A365Project) initiative, aimed to draw attention to the urgent need for full implementation and enforcement of accessibility laws for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.
With banners held high and voices raised in unison, advocates, PWDs, and supporters demanded immediate action from the government and relevant stakeholders to uphold Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. These sections specifically mandate accessible infrastructure, equal access to public spaces, and the removal of physical barriers that exclude PWDs from fully participating in society.
A Call for Action: “Accessibility Is Not an Option – It’s Essential”
The Executive Director of Cedar Seed Foundation, Lois Auta, passionately addressed participants, emphasizing that accessibility is a fundamental right, not a privilege. She underscored the necessity of universal design principles in public infrastructure, ensuring that PWDs can move freely, access essential services, and live independently.
“In most public infrastructures, do we truly consider the concerns of persons with disabilities?” she questioned. “Are there ramps, lifts, designated parking spaces, accessible toilets, and proper signage? Accessibility is not just about mobility—it’s about dignity, inclusion, and human rights.”
Auta further stressed that the campaign aligns with Article 9 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the Protocol for the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Nigerian Disability Act, all of which guarantee the right to an accessible environment.
The Walk for Accessibility: Voices Raised, Barriers Challenged
The Accessibility Walk, which kicked off from Old Parade Ground, saw participants moving through key locations in Abuja, drawing public attention to the cause. Advocates held placards with bold, thought-provoking messages such as:
- “Accessibility is not an option, it’s essential.”
- “Create a world for all.”
- “Equal access, equal opportunity.”
- “Accessibility matters – make a difference!”
As they moved through the city, their collective chant “We want access!” resonated, calling for the enforcement of laws that guarantee full inclusion.
Beyond the Walk: The Bigger Picture of #A365Project
The #A365Project, supported by MacArthur Foundation, is more than just a one-time awareness campaign—it is a sustained advocacy movement pushing for year-round (365 days) accessibility improvements. The initiative seeks to ensure that buildings, information, communication, and public services are designed in ways that include, rather than exclude, PWDs.
This includes:
- Enforcing mandatory accessibility standards in new and existing public buildings.
- Ensuring transportation systems accommodate PWDs.
- Promoting digital and information accessibility, such as captioned videos, sign language interpretation, and braille formats.
The Urgent Need for Enforcement
Despite the passage of the Nigerian Disability Act in 2018, implementation remains slow and inconsistent. Many public buildings still lack ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms, making everyday life difficult for millions of PWDs. The five-year moratorium given for compliance with the Act has expired, yet non-compliance remains widespread.
This march serves as a bold reminder that accessibility is not just about infrastructure, but also about equal opportunity, economic empowerment, and full participation in society.
Conclusion: The Fight Continues
The message from the streets of Abuja was loud and clear: “We want access!” The Accessibility Walk is just one step in a larger movement demanding that Nigeria honors its commitments to disability inclusion.
As Auta concluded, “True development is inclusive. We cannot talk about national progress while leaving millions of Nigerians behind. Accessibility is a right, and it’s time to enforce it.”
Now, the responsibility falls on policymakers, architects, business owners, and society at large to break barriers and build a truly inclusive Nigeria. The time for action is now!
