The National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD), Abia State Chapter, has called on the management of the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia to prioritize the employment of qualified persons with disabilities across its operational departments, insisting that inclusion must go beyond infrastructure to meaningful participation in the workforce.
The appeal was made on Monday during a courtesy visit by the association’s leadership to the management of the state-owned transport facility, where discussions centered on disability inclusion, equal employment opportunities, accessible transportation, and the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of NAPWPD in Abia State, Mr. Iroabuchi Alozie, commended the Abia State Government for establishing the modern Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal and introducing the Abia Green Shuttle Bus initiative, describing both projects as clear indicators of the state’s commitment to transforming public transportation.
According to him, the transport system represents a new era of development, efficiency, orderliness, and excellence under the administration of Governor Alex Otti, adding that true progress must also reflect the inclusion of persons with disabilities in employment and decision-making.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts in improving transportation infrastructure, Mr. Alozie emphasized that qualified persons with disabilities possess the education, professional competence, skills, and integrity needed to contribute effectively to the success of the transport system.
He noted that many members of the association are graduates and experienced professionals who are fully capable of handling various responsibilities within the terminal.
He identified several positions where persons with disabilities could make meaningful contributions, including ticketing officers, customer service officers, clerical officers, route departure officers, ICT officers, administrative assistants, and other operational and administrative roles.
“Our appeal is not based on sympathy or charity,” Mr. Alozie said.
“It is based on competence, equal opportunity, and the provisions of the law. Persons with disabilities have the capacity to deliver excellent services when given the opportunity.”
He reminded the terminal management that both the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, and the Abia State Disability Law guarantee equal access to employment and prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities.
According to him, implementing these legal provisions through inclusive recruitment would further strengthen Governor Otti’s vision of a government that leaves no one behind.
Mr. Alozie further urged the management to become a model for disability inclusion by ensuring that employment opportunities are accessible to qualified persons with disabilities, thereby promoting diversity, equality, and social inclusion within the state’s transport sector.
Beyond employment, the association also expressed concern over the alleged harassment of one of its members by a driver of the Abia Green Shuttle Bus at Bata Junction in Aba.
The chairman described the incident as unfortunate and called on transport operators, drivers, and members of the public to treat persons with disabilities with dignity, respect, and fairness.
He stressed that discrimination and harassment violate both federal and state disability laws and undermine ongoing efforts to build an inclusive society where everyone enjoys equal rights and opportunities.
Responding to the concerns, the General Manager of the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, Mr. Ifeanyi Chima, expressed appreciation to the association for the visit and apologized over the reported incident involving the Green Shuttle Bus driver.
He assured the delegation that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and promised that any staff or transport operator found responsible after the investigation would face appropriate disciplinary action.
Mr. Chima reaffirmed the terminal management’s commitment to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all passengers, particularly persons with disabilities.
He disclosed that the facility already provides dedicated services and spaces for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, pregnant women, and nursing mothers to ensure their comfort and convenience while using the terminal.
According to him, a specially designated section has been created within the departure lounge to accommodate passengers with special needs.
He also revealed that the management has directed staff to ensure that passengers with disabilities who purchase tickets are given priority boarding before other passengers.
“We have put measures in place to ensure that passengers with special needs enjoy a seamless travel experience. Any passenger with special needs who purchases a ticket is boarded first, and we remain committed to improving accessibility across our operations,” he said.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing optimism about strengthening collaboration to advance disability inclusion in Abia State’s transport sector.
The visit underscores the growing call for public institutions and government-owned facilities to move beyond accessible infrastructure by creating employment opportunities for qualified persons with disabilities, in line with existing disability laws and international best practices.
For disability advocates, genuine inclusion is not measured only by ramps, reserved seating, or priority boarding—it is also reflected in equal access to decent jobs, economic empowerment, and active participation in public life. NAPWPD believes that by opening its workforce to qualified persons with disabilities, the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal can become a leading example of inclusive governance and accessible public service delivery in Nigeria.
