FG to Sanction Banks, Schools, and Hospitals Over Inaccessibility for Persons with Disabilities
The Nigerian Government has issued a stern warning to financial institutions and other organisations that fail to comply with accessibility laws for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The warning was issued by Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), during an interview on Monday.
Gufwan’s statement came after a recent incident in Abuja, where Chris Agbo, a wheelchair user, was unable to access banking services due to a lack of ramps at a popular bank in the Area 3 district.
“Agbo attempted to use both the banking hall and the ATM, but without ramps, he was forced to seek assistance. His aide was later informed the ATM was out of service,” Gufwan explained.
Earlier this year, Adebola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, faced an instance of discrimination. He recounted how Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), an international fast-food chain at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, refused him entry when he tried to use their facilities.
These incidents highlights ongoing accessibility challenges for PWDs, despite the 2018 Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, which mandates accessible facilities in both private and public institutions.
Gufwan stated that “the commission will investigate cases involving any form of discrimination against people with disability and will not hesitate to prosecute any organisation violating this law.”
“We will not tolerate any form of discrimination or inaccessibility for PWDs,” he said.
According to Gufwan, many PWDs face challenges accessing essential services, often relying on third parties, which puts them at risk of fraud.
“It’s unacceptable that in this era, some banks do not provide suitable access for PWDs. Many have lost large sums of money due to the need to reveal their ATM passwords to third parties,” he added.
The executive secretary warned that the commission would sanction any institution failing to provide an enabling environment for PWDs, stating;
“We will ensure strict monitoring and enforcement of the accessibility law.”
