The Founder and CEO of JOMIDA Foundation, Comrade Chris Agbo, has called on the government to take stricter measures in addressing the persistent issues of accessibility for wheelchair users across Nigeria.
Speaking at a rally organized by the Association of Accessibility Professionals to commemorate International Wheelchair Day, Comrade Agbo expressed deep concerns over the continued neglect of accessibility needs, despite the existence of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act for over five years.
“It is painful that after more than half a decade since the passage of the Disability Act, we still see the majority of public buildings in Nigeria failing to meet accessibility standards. Wheelchair users continue to face daily struggles navigating spaces that should be open to all,” he lamented.
Comrade Agbo, who also serves as the Chairman of the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD) FCT Chapter and the Executive Director of The Qualitative Magazine, emphasized that wheelchair users have the right to enter any public building of their choice without encountering barriers. He urged the government at all levels to enforce accessibility laws and hold defaulters accountable.
Condemnation of Religious Disrespect for Wheelchair Users
Beyond infrastructural challenges, Comrade Agbo also addressed an often-overlooked issue—the treatment of wheelchair users in religious spaces. He strongly condemned religious leaders who undermine the dignity of wheelchair users in the name of performing miracles.
“Many religious leaders continue to portray wheelchair use as a curse, something to be ‘delivered’ from. This is unacceptable! The wheelchair is not a symbol of bondage—it is a tool of independence. Wheelchair users do not see their mobility devices as obstacles; rather, they see them as life-giving enablers of freedom,” he stated.
He urged religious institutions to educate their congregations on disability inclusion and respect for assistive devices, stressing that persons with disabilities deserve dignity and equal participation in all aspects of society.
Call for Full Implementation of Disability Laws
Reiterating the urgent need for action, Comrade Agbo called for the full implementation of the Disability Act, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and the African Charter on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He emphasized that ensuring accessibility should not be treated as a privilege but as a fundamental human right.
“We need to have unrestricted access to hospitals, churches, mosques, markets, shopping malls, offices, recreational centers, bus terminals, railway stations, airports, buses, and roads. No one should have to fight for the right to move freely in their own country,” he declared.
He urged policymakers, urban planners, and construction firms to prioritize accessibility in all future projects and renovations.
A Call to Action
Comrade Agbo’s passionate advocacy on International Wheelchair Day serves as a reminder that Nigeria still has a long way to go in ensuring full accessibility for persons with disabilities. While laws exist on paper, their enforcement remains weak, leaving wheelchair users to navigate a society that is largely unaccommodating to their needs.
As the global community continues to push for disability inclusion, it remains to be seen whether Nigerian authorities will rise to the challenge and take decisive action to create a barrier-free society for all.
