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.

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Nigeria is preparing to launch its new electronic visa (e-Visa) system on May 1, 2025, which promises to revolutionize the visa application process for travelers.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Tunji Ojo, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday. The e-Visa system is designed to simplify and speed up the visa process for those wishing to visit Nigeria.

The e-Visa system allows travelers to apply for a visa entirely online, removing the need for physical visits to embassies or consulates. Applicants will fill out an online form, upload required documents such as their passport, pay the visa fee, and then receive their e-Visa via email. The visa can be printed or stored digitally for entry into Nigeria. This system, which is already being used by numerous countries, aims to streamline the travel process by reducing paperwork and minimizing wait times.

Ojo also highlighted the establishment of a centralized visa approval center at the immigration headquarters, where officers have been trained and integrated with global criminal record systems, including those of Interpol. He emphasized that the new system would enhance background checks for individuals entering Nigeria while eliminating bureaucratic delays, ensuring a smoother process for travelers without the need for lobbying.

“Our goal is to open Nigeria’s borders without compromising national security,” Ojo said. “We want people to come and explore the beauty of Nigeria while protecting our national interest.” Both the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) have agreed to work together on the e-Visa framework, regulations, and protocols.

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