The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has pledged to strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders to improve airport accessibility for persons with disabilities and elderly travellers across the country.
The commitment was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held at Terminal C of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, as part of Project Elevate: The National Aviation Accessibility Initiative, a research project led by Comrade Abidoun Ozurumba.
Project Elevate seeks to assess the current state of accessibility within Nigeria’s aviation sector by identifying existing barriers, evaluating progress made, and developing practical recommendations to improve compliance with established accessibility regulations. The initiative aims to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy safe, dignified and seamless air travel within and outside Nigeria.
Speaking during the meeting, members of the research team emphasised the importance of collaboration with FAAN and other aviation stakeholders to create an inclusive airport environment where persons with disabilities and elderly passengers receive the support and assistance they require.
As part of its stakeholder engagement, the team is also working with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the country’s aviation regulatory body, to strengthen compliance with accessibility standards across the aviation industry.
The meeting featured contributions from disability rights advocates, including Dr Adebukola Adebayo, a consultant to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), and Deaconess Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase, former Chairperson of the Nigerian Deaf Association, Lagos State Chapter. They shared their experiences navigating airport facilities, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and more disability-friendly services.
A representative of Barrister Ikem Uchegbulam, Director of Compliance and Enforcement at the NCPWD, outlined the Commission’s mandate to enforce the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act. The representative noted that the Commission is committed to promoting accessibility in public buildings, transportation, employment and public services, including airport facilities.
The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by Nanloh Nuhu, Head of Operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, alongside his Technical Adviser, Usman AbdulSalam, and other officials.
Participants agreed that subsequent engagements should involve additional stakeholders across the aviation sector to consolidate the Federal Government’s efforts towards eliminating barriers and improving the travel experience of persons with disabilities at airports nationwide.
