A one-day forum held at the Bukhari Bello Auditorium, National Human Rights Commission, Abuja, has seen the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), and the Human Rights Commission with Stakeholders’ forum come to an understanding on Inclusive Transport and Accessible Housing for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary (NCPWD), Barr. Ayuba Burki Gufwan described the forum as another apt attention and focus on the implementation of the Provisions of section 9 of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Provisions) Act 2018.
The Executive Secretary (NCPWD) said that the forum will bring attention and application of the section on the transportation and housing gaps in the compliance requirements under the Act by the individuals and organisations in our society.
He also stated that effective and efficient modalities have been put in place under his administration to secure and protect these liberties.
The Executive Secretary thanked the Ability Life Initiative for organising the event and also assured the PWDs community of the commission’s full commitment to the implementation of the course. He urged other organisations to follow suit.
Also speaking at the forum, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu expressed appreciation for stakeholders honouring the invitation.
He said that the NHRC is established to create an enabling environment for the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights of everyone living in Nigeria, hence, the forum is in line with the commitment and effort of the NHRC in advancing and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities to ensure inclusive transportation and accessible housing.
The objectives of the forum include:
- To identify challenges faced by persons with disabilities;
- To review the framework and critically assess existing national, state, and local policies, laws, and
regulations governing transport accessibility against CRPD obligations and the Nigerian Disability
Act; - To share solutions, showcasing existing good practices, innovative models (e.g., point-to-point services, like accessible taxis), and potential scalable interventions in Nigeria;
- To generate Actionable Inputs through developing concrete, evidence-based recommendations, addressing the 16 specific questions outlined in the OHCHR request on transport accessibility.
- To strengthen Collaboration by fostering partnerships and defining clear roles for government agencies, transport operators, disability organisations, development partners, and PWDs themselves in implementing inclusive transport solutions; and finally
- To enhance Participation by ensuring meaningful involvement of PWDs and their representative
organisations (OPDs) in planning, monitoring, and evaluating transport policies and services.
The bold initiative was taken by The Ability Life Initiative (TALI), an NGO dedicated to advancing the rights, health, and social inclusion of Nigeria’s 35.5 million persons with disabilities (PWDs) through targeted programs in education, healthcare, housing, mental health, and non-discrimination. Founded by Ms Prada and Ms Oprah.
NCPWD is committed to making sure that Persons with Disabilities enjoy the full benefits of the law.
Signed
Ishaku Kigbu anipr
Head, Media
NCPWD
22-08-2025
