In a remarkable stride towards fostering inclusivity in Nigerian Airports, the Centre for Ability, Rehabilitation, and Empowerment (CARE) recently unveiled the conclusive report of its influential “ACCESSIBLE AVIATION” project. This significant initiative, fueled by the impactful “Influencing Grant” from VOICE, garnered accolades for its transformative impact on the aviation sector’s treatment of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
The House of Representatives Committee on Disability played host to an assembly of key stakeholders at the National Assembly on Wednesday, 28th, February 2024, where CARE shared the fruits of its labor. The occasion not only marked the culmination of the project but also sought to secure the commitment of stakeholders towards escalating the initiative across all airports in Nigeria.
The Chief Responsibility Officer, CARE, Dr. Chike Okogwu, the dynamic force behind CARE’s mission, expressed profound gratitude to VOICE for their unwavering support. In his address, he emphasized how the grant had become a catalyst for monumental change in the lives of PWDs within the Nigerian aviation sector.
“The success of this grant has brought about a tremendous change in the lives of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the aviation sector in Nigeria,” he exclaimed, his words resonating with the collective progress achieved.
Under the auspices of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability, the event not only featured the presentation of the final project report but also facilitated a pivotal moment—the signing and validation of a partnership charter between Aviation Stakeholders and Persons With Disabilities. Simultaneously, the ceremony witnessed the official handover of the Disability Service Desk and Equipment to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, symbolizing a commitment to sustainable change.
Dr. Okogwu underscored the profound impact of the project, noting how it had shifted the narrative for PWDs in the aviation sector. “The grant has given PWDs a voice to speak out against the discrimination they face in the aviation sector,” he declared, highlighting the pivotal role the grant played in reshaping stakeholder attitudes.
The journey of transformation detailed in the final report showcased tangible reforms within the aviation industry. These include specialized waiting rooms, designated parking lots for PWDs at the Abuja Airport, and the establishment of a responsive PWDs response team, equipped with all-access cards, at the same airport, provisions of assistive devices to aid boarding of wheelchair users such as Scissors Stair Climber and Ambi Lift at Abuja Airport. These changes have not only elevated the experience for PWDs but have also altered perceptions, fostering a sense of dignity and respect.
Dr. Okogwu, looking towards the future, expressed CARE’s hope for the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to take over and sustain the Response Team/ Disability Desk Officers at the Airport.
Furthermore, there was a call for budget allocation for disability inclusion within the aviation industry, a plea directed towards entities such as the House Committee on Disability, the Federal Airports Authority (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Ministry of Aviation.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Disability, Dr. Bashiru Dawodu, applauded CARE for conducting the first comprehensive investigation on access to aviation by PWDs. He lauded the committee’s commitment to overseeing disability-related issues and acknowledged the proactive stance of Speaker Dr. Abbas Tajudeen in appointing a committee for this purpose.
Dr. Dawodu assured stakeholders of the committee’s vigilance in monitoring government agencies’ adherence to disability laws, ensuring protection of the rights and welfare of PWDs across recruitment, housing, transportation, and healthcare. He urged stakeholders to familiarize themselves with disability legislation and pledged to facilitate robust engagement to shape future initiatives under the Disability Act.
Adding a corporate perspective, Chioma Offor, Head of Commercial and Business Development at Nigeria Aviation Handling Company PLC (NAHCO), provided valuable insights during her speech. She emphasized the importance of proactive communication by individuals with disabilities during ticket booking, ensuring that airport staff is adequately informed of specific needs for seamless accommodation.
The event’s climax saw the ceremonial signing of the Partnership Charter between Aviation Stakeholders and PWDs, solidifying their joint commitment to surmounting challenges faced by PWDs in the aviation industry.
This monumental gathering drew participants from various segments, including representatives from the aviation industry, organizations advocating for Persons With Disabilities, Persons With Disabilities, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunity, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, VOICE representatives, members of the House Committee on Disability, and the media.
In conclusion, this event not only signifies a triumph for CARE but also heralds a new era of inclusivity and accessibility within the Nigerian aviation sector. The indelible impact of the ACCESSIBLE AVIATION project will undoubtedly shape the future, setting a precedent for dignified and respectful treatment of Persons With Disabilities in air travel.
