Abuja, Nigeria – May 14, 2025 — The House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters has issued a strong directive to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to fully enforce the provisions of the Nigerians with Disabilities Act, 2018 within the aviation industry. The call came during an oversight visit by the committee to the NCAA headquarters in Abuja, as lawmakers push for a more inclusive and accessible aviation sector.
Hon. Bashiru Dawodu, Chairman of the Committee on Disability Matters, led the charge, urging the NCAA to ensure that airlines, airport authorities, and all relevant stakeholders in the aviation industry align their operations with the rights and protections enshrined in the Disability Act.
“You’re responsible for the enforcement of PWD regulations in the aviation industry,” Dawodu emphasized, addressing NCAA officials during the visit. “As the industry regulator, it is your mandate to guarantee that no Nigerian with a disability is discriminated against when traveling or working within the aviation space.”
The 2018 Act prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities (PWDs) and provides for their inclusion in employment, education, health, infrastructure, and other sectors. It also mandates public and private organizations to make their services accessible to persons with disabilities. The House Committee’s oversight functions include monitoring compliance across government agencies and parastatals.
Dawodu commended the NCAA for showing commitment to the spirit and letter of the law, noting visible progress in areas such as disability-inclusive employment, building accessibility, and support for disability-centered initiatives.
NCAA Affirms Commitment to Inclusive Aviation
Responding on behalf of the NCAA, Donald Tonye Spiff, Director of Operations, Licensing and Training (DOLT), who represented the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, assured the lawmakers of the Authority’s ongoing reforms to promote disability inclusion. He stressed that under Capt. Najomo’s leadership, the NCAA has adopted a non-discriminatory policy and is actively working to create a friendly environment for PWDs.
“Beyond employing persons with disabilities, we have conducted audits of our infrastructure and implemented corrective measures to improve access for all,” Spiff stated. “We are not just complying with the law — we are committed to fostering a truly inclusive aviation industry.”
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, also weighed in, highlighting the Authority’s proactive approach to inclusion. He explained that a comprehensive risk assessment has already been carried out across facilities, and implementation of accessibility improvements is currently underway.
“NCAA is deliberate about mainstreaming disability in all our activities,” Achimugu said. “From customer service to infrastructure, we are ensuring no one is left behind.”
Achimugu added that since Capt. Najomo assumed office, the Authority has significantly increased its engagement with disability-focused organizations and has supported multiple initiatives aimed at amplifying the voices and rights of PWDs in the aviation sector.
Departments Showcase Compliance Progress
During the visit, various directorates within the NCAA took turns to brief the committee on their efforts to comply with the Disability Act. Reports included updates on staff training, service accessibility reviews, infrastructure remodeling, and plans for the adoption of assistive technologies at airports nationwide.
The meeting underscored the importance of inclusive travel and employment policies, particularly in a globalized sector like aviation where every traveler, regardless of ability, deserves a dignified and safe experience.
A Model for Other Sectors?
The House Committee’s oversight visit and NCAA’s proactive response have been praised by disability rights advocates as a model of collaboration between the legislature and regulatory bodies. Stakeholders believe such steps can influence other sectors to prioritize accessibility and uphold the rights of Nigeria’s over 25 million persons with disabilities.
“As the aviation industry strives for international standards, inclusion must not be sidelined,” said one advocate at the meeting. “Accessibility is not an afterthought — it is a right. And today’s engagement shows Nigeria is beginning to understand that.”
With this renewed momentum, the NCAA is expected to ramp up efforts to enforce accessibility across all airlines and airport facilities in Nigeria, potentially positioning the country as a leader in inclusive air travel on the African continent.
