TQM report,
Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has offered to partner with the Federal Ministry of Aviation to build the capacity of Senior Ministry officials on the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.
CCD made this assertion when they declared their position on the investigative hearing on discrimination against Persons with disabilities by airline operators in the House of Representative.
The Executive Director of CCD, Mr. David Anyaele in a press release sent to TQM said that the move is to enhance the full implementation of the Act and service delivery of the Ministry on persons with disabilities.
He proffered that elimination of all forms of violence against citizens with disabilities at the airports through implementation of Section 1 of the Act: “a person with disability shall not be discriminated against on the ground of his disability by any person or institution in any manner or circumstance whatsoever”.
He also emphasized on the Full implementation of Section 14 of the Act which provides as follows:
1) All airlines operating in Nigeria shall ―
(a) ensure the accessibility of their aircraft to persons with disabilities;
(b) make available presentable and functional wheelchairs for the conveyance of persons with disabilities who need it to and from the aircraft;
(c) ensure that persons with disabilities are assisted to get on and off board in safety and reasonable comfort;
(d) ensure that persons with disabilities are accorded priority while boarding and disembarking from the aircraft.
(2) All airports shall make available for the conveyance of persons with disabilities who need it to and from the aircraft, a presentable and functional assistive and protective device.
“We need #Accessible Airports, in line with the provisions of sections 4 and 5 of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, in particular mobile wheelchair lifters in all our airports across the Federation for easy access to and from aircraft, as more than 95% of the airports in Nigeria are not accessible to persons with disabilities” he added.
“In addition to the above, implement section 28 and 29 of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act which provides for right to work and opportunity for employment. In fact, section 29 provides that all employers of labour in public organisations shall as much as possible have person with disabilities constituting at least 5% of their employment. We are requesting that you use your influence to ensure that an audit of your Ministry Staff strength is conducted to ensure that 5% of the Staff capacity of your Ministry is reserved for citizens with disabilities”.
The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) is the premier not-for-profit making organization of, and for persons with disabilities that works to promote disability rights, independent living, and social inclusion of persons with disabilities in development efforts. It also works to educate, support and empower persons with disabilities and their families to maximize their potentials.
