By Milcah Tanimu

The Federal Government has announced its plan to close down public buildings that do not meet the minimum standards of accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) starting from January 17. The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, James Lalu, made this declaration during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

This decision is part of the activities marking the sixteenth day of activism in commemoration of the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Lalu clarified that the commission would take immediate action following the expiration of the five-year ultimatum set by the federal government, which is scheduled to conclude on January 16, 2024.

He stated, “Five years were given to organizations to comply with accessibility laws, and now the five years will expire on January 16 next year; we are now transiting from the era of advocacy to enforcement.”

Lalu revealed that the commission plans to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to establish a special task force dedicated to enforcing the accessibility law. He emphasized the commitment to ensuring that organizations not only meet their accessibility requirements but also fulfill the mandated five percent employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, expressed her support, stating that the commission has the full backing of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in implementing accessibility laws. Edu assured the Executive Secretary of her commitment to supporting the enforcement of accessibility laws, highlighting that the effective implementation and enforcement of relevant disability laws are a collective responsibility for all Nigerians.