The House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters has urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to fully enforce the provisions of the Nigerian with Disabilities Act, 2018 within the aviation sector.
Chairman of the committee, Dr. Bashiru Dawodu made this call on Wednesday during an oversight visit to the NCAA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.
The committee oversees compliance with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, which mandates inclusion in employment, accessibility, rehabilitation and protection for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in programmes, projects, and budgeting processes.
Commending the NCAA for its commitment so far, Dawodu said the Authority, as the industry’s regulator, has a responsibility to ensure enforcement of the Act across all aviation stakeholders, including airlines and related agencies.
“You’re responsible for the enforcement of PWD regulations in the aviation industry,” he stated.
He acknowledged the NCAA’s efforts toward compliance, particularly in areas such as inclusive employment, support for disability-related causes and improving accessibility.
Responding on behalf of the director-general of civil aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, the director of operations, licensing, and training, Capt. Donald Spiff said the NCAA remains a non-discriminatory and disability-friendly institution.
He noted that beyond employing persons with disabilities, the Authority has audited its facilities and implemented corrective measures to enhance accessibility.
Director of public affairs and consumer protection, Michael Achimugu reaffirmed the NCAA’s commitment to inclusion, disclosing that a risk assessment had been carried out and implementation efforts were ongoing.
He added that since Capt. Najomo assumed office, the authority has consistently taken disability concerns into account, actively supporting disability-focused programmes in line with his people-centered leadership approach.
During the visit, various directorates of the NCAA presented updates to the Committee on their respective levels of compliance with the provisions of the Nigerians with Disabilities Act.
