Abuja, Nigeria – The Association of Accessibility Professionals (AAP) has called on the Nigerian government and private sector to prioritize accessibility in all public and private infrastructures to ensure full inclusion of wheelchair users and persons with mobility impairments.
This call was made during the 2025 International Wheelchair Day commemoration, which brought together key stakeholders, government officials, disability rights advocates, and wheelchair users from across the country. The event, which featured a solidarity road walk, business environment door-to-door accessibility awareness campaign, educational webinars, and the launch of the AAP Training Manual, highlighted the urgent need for Nigeria to move from policy formulation to full implementation of accessibility laws.
Accessibility is Not a Privilege—It is a Right
Delivering the keynote address, Barr. Yusuf Iyodo, Founder and Executive Director of AAP, emphasized that accessibility is not a privilege but a fundamental human right. He lamented the continued barriers faced by wheelchair users in Nigeria despite the passage of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 and the Persons with Disabilities (Accessibility) Regulations, 2023.
“It is painful that despite the existence of these laws for close to a decade, many public buildings, offices, schools, hospitals, religious centers, and transportation hubs remain inaccessible to wheelchair users,” he said. “Accessibility should not be seen as an afterthought but as a mandatory standard in all infrastructure development projects.”
Barr. Iyodo stressed that the Nigerian government must fully implement accessibility laws and enforce strict compliance with accessibility standards across all sectors. He further called for increased funding for disability programs, assistive technologies, and mobility aids to ensure that no one is left behind due to financial constraints.
AAP’s Commitment to Accessibility Advocacy
The Association of Accessibility Professionals (AAP), headquartered in Abuja, serves as a hub for professionals dedicated to fostering inclusive environments. The organization comprises architects, engineers, surveyors, lawyers, policymakers, and development experts who collaborate to ensure accessibility is integrated into urban planning, infrastructure, and service delivery across Nigeria.
AAP is legally empowered by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to train and certify individuals and organizations on accessibility best practices. The association provides tailored training sessions, workshops, and webinars to bridge the gap between understanding accessibility standards and their practical implementation.
Wheelchair is Not a Limitation—It is Freedom in Action
Dispelling misconceptions about wheelchair use, Barr. Iyodo delivered a powerful statement:
“A wheelchair is not a stigma or a sign of limitation, as some sections of society, especially faith-based organizations, perceive it to be. Rather, it is a symbol of freedom, mobility, and independence. It has transformed millions of lives across the world, enabling users to access education, employment, and social life. No amount of healing prayers can replace the significance of a wheelchair in the lives of those who need it. We must respect and appreciate this assistive device.”
Government, Private Sector, and Society Must Take Action
The event featured passionate appeals from stakeholders, urging immediate action to make Nigeria truly inclusive for persons with disabilities.
Government and Policymakers
AAP called on the Nigerian government to:
- Fully enforce the National Disability Act and Accessibility Regulations to ensure all public buildings, transportation systems, and infrastructure are accessible.
- Increase funding for disability programs and mobility aids, ensuring that wheelchair users, especially those in low-income communities, have access to assistive devices.
- Establish wheelchair user support centers in every state to provide medical, psychological, and vocational support.
- Strengthen penalties for non-compliance with accessibility laws and incentivize organizations that prioritize disability inclusion.
Private Sector and Business Community
Corporate organizations were urged to:
- Ensure all office buildings, malls, banks, and business premises have wheelchair-friendly entrances, ramps, and accessible restrooms.
- Employ and empower individuals with disabilities, providing reasonable accommodations in the workplace.
- Invest in assistive technology and innovation to enhance independent living for wheelchair users.
Civil Society and the General Public
Barr. Iyodo urged disability advocates and the general public to:
- Raise awareness about the rights of wheelchair users and challenge stereotypes.
- Report cases of inaccessibility and discrimination to relevant authorities.
- Support initiatives promoting accessibility by volunteering, donating, and advocating for change.
Voices from Disability Advocates
Adding her voice to the call, Amb. Beatrice Mube, Vice President of the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD), acknowledged the Nigerian government’s efforts in promoting disability inclusion through the enactment of disability laws. However, she expressed concerns over the low implementation rate of these laws, urging authorities to take immediate steps to bridge the gap between policy and reality.
“We appreciate the government’s efforts in passing disability laws, but implementation remains a major challenge. Persons with disabilities deserve to enjoy the good things of life, just like everyone else. There should be accessibility in hospitals, offices, schools, hotels, churches, mosques, and recreational centers. A truly inclusive Nigeria is one where accessibility is a norm, not an exception.“
Similarly, Comrade Chris Agbo, Chairman of NAPWPD FCT Chapter, voiced his frustration over the continued inaccessibility of public spaces, despite existing laws.
“It is disheartening that almost a decade after the passage of the National Disability Act, wheelchair users still struggle to access public buildings. Organizations must create accessibility, but they must do it in accordance with approved regulations like the National Accessibility Standards. Accessibility is not just about having a ramp—it must be usable. If a facility is not functional, it is as good as nonexistent.”
He also called for love, care, and non-discrimination against persons with disabilities, urging society to remove physical and attitudinal barriers that hinder inclusion.
AAP Launches Training Manual to Strengthen Accessibility Knowledge
A major highlight of the event was the official launch of the AAP Training Manual, a comprehensive guide developed over six months to provide in-depth knowledge on accessibility regulations and standards. The manual will serve as a core resource for training individuals and organizations, with certification to be issued in partnership with the University of Abuja.
To mark the significance of the day, AAP also conducted a practical accessibility training session for select participants, equipping them with firsthand knowledge of best practices in accessibility implementation.
Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility
As Nigeria joins the world in celebrating International Wheelchair Day 2025, AAP reaffirmed its commitment to making the country more inclusive. The event concluded with a powerful message:
“Inclusion is not an act of charity—it is a fundamental right. Accessibility is not a privilege—it is a necessity. We must move beyond talk and take real action to create a Nigeria where wheelchair users can live, work, and thrive without barriers. Together, we can make accessibility a reality for all.”
Conclusion
The 2025 International Wheelchair Day celebration in Nigeria was not just an event—it was a movement. AAP and its partners have set the tone for the year, demanding full implementation of accessibility laws, increased investments in disability inclusion, and a shift in societal perceptions about wheelchair users.
As stakeholders return to their respective fields, one message remains clear: Nigeria must prioritize accessibility—not tomorrow, but today.
