The House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters has called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to intensify enforcement of the Nigerians with Disabilities Act, 2018 within the aviation industry.
The committee made the call during an oversight visit to the NCAA headquarters in Abuja, where its chairman, Hon. Dr. Bashiru Dawodu, emphasized the authority’s responsibility in upholding the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the sector.
Dr. Dawodu noted that the committee’s oversight mandate includes ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Act, which addresses critical issues such as non-discrimination, employment inclusion, accessibility, rehabilitation, and special protection for PWDs across national policies, projects, and budgets.
He acknowledged the NCAA’s current efforts toward aligning with the legislation but urged the authority to deepen its commitment. “You are the regulatory body responsible for ensuring compliance with the PWD Act across the aviation value chain—including airlines and airport operators,” he stated.
Responding on behalf of the NCAA, Capt. Donald Tonye Spiff, Director of Operations, Licensing, and Training, reiterated the authority’s stance on inclusivity, noting that the agency does not discriminate against persons with disabilities and continues to make its facilities more accessible.
Spiff explained that the NCAA has conducted accessibility audits on its infrastructure and taken corrective actions to ensure PWDs can navigate facilities without barriers. He added that the authority also employs persons with disabilities as part of its inclusive workforce policy.
Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, also addressed the committee, noting that a risk assessment on accessibility issues had been completed and that implementation of recommended changes is actively underway. He praised the leadership of Capt. Chris Najomo for his people-focused approach and support for disability-inclusive initiatives.
During the session, various directorates of the NCAA presented updates on their respective levels of compliance with the Act, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to creating an aviation environment that is accessible to all Nigerians.
