The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has announced that it will launch a thorough investigation into an incident involving alleged discrimination by Rano Air against a person with disability. This announcement follows a troubling event on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Maiduguri International Airport, where Alhaji Usman Bura Gabai, the Yobe State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), was reportedly denied access to a Rano Air flight due to his disability. Despite booking and paying for his ticket, Gabai was unable to board the aircraft, causing him to miss a crucial Disability Stakeholders conference.
In a statement released on Thursday, Dr. James David Lalu, Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, expressed the commission’s commitment to addressing this issue with the seriousness it deserves. “I want to address the recent incident involving alleged discrimination against Alhaji Usman Bura Gabai, the State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, by the Rano airline at Maiduguri Airport. The airline will be invited as we commence a thorough investigation into the case immediately,” Lalu stated.
The incident has sparked outrage within the disability community and beyond, highlighting ongoing issues of accessibility and discrimination that persons with disabilities face in Nigeria. Gabai, a respected advocate for disability rights, was set to attend a significant conference aimed at advancing the cause of persons with disabilities. His denial of access to the flight not only caused personal inconvenience but also underscored systemic challenges that continue to hinder the full participation of persons with disabilities in society.
Dr. Lalu emphasized that the NCPWD is dedicated to upholding the rights of persons with disabilities and ensuring that instances of discrimination are promptly addressed. “Such actions are completely unacceptable and violate the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018. Discrimination against persons with disabilities is a violation of their human rights and goes against the principles of inclusivity and equality which the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands for,” he said.
The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, enacted in 2018, was a landmark legislation aimed at protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and ensuring their full integration into society. Despite this legal framework, incidents like the one involving Gabai illustrate that there is still much work to be done to change societal attitudes and practices.
Lalu’s statement highlighted the need for systemic change and the importance of holding entities accountable for discriminatory actions. “Rano Air Limited must be held accountable for their discriminatory behavior and take immediate steps to rectify the situation. I hereby call on Rano Air Limited to publicly apologize to Mr. Gabai and implement measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future,” Lalu asserted.
The NCPWD’s decision to investigate the incident has been welcomed by various advocacy groups and stakeholders in the disability community. They view it as a crucial step towards ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are respected and that instances of discrimination are not overlooked.
In addition to the investigation, Dr. Lalu has called for broader awareness and enforcement of the Disability Act to prevent future occurrences. “Discrimination has no place in our society, and we must work together to build a more inclusive and equitable world for all. The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are protected, and we will not tolerate any form of discrimination or injustice,” he reiterated.
The NCPWD’s actions underscore the importance of accountability and the need for continued advocacy and education to change discriminatory attitudes and practices. As the investigation proceeds, the commission aims to set a precedent that reinforces the rights of persons with disabilities and promotes a culture of inclusivity and respect.
The incident involving Alhaji Usman Bura Gabai serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Nigeria. It is hoped that the outcome of the NCPWD’s investigation will lead to meaningful changes and greater protection for the rights of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
