The Nigerian government said it is set to shut down financial institutions, schools and public buildings violating the accessibility law on the movement of persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Mr Ayuba Gufwan, announced the development on Monday during an interview.
The decision follows an alleged discrimination of the Chairman of the National Association Of Persons With Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD), FCT Chapter, Mr Chris Agbo, at a bank in Area 3, on Sept. 18.
Gufwan said, “The incident unfolded between 11:45 a.m when Agbo wanted to use the Banking Hall and the ATM Machine but was unable to access the bank’s facilities due to a lack of ramps, he sent his aide inside to request assistance.
“However, the aide was informed that the bank’s ATM was not working and Agbo was left with no other option. This highlights the ongoing accessibility challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Nigeria, despite the existence of laws meant to protect their rights.”
The NCPWD boss said the commission is also investigating the matter.
He noted that the commission will ensure the prosecution of organisations violating the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.
Gufwan said, “We will not tolerate any form of discrimination, inaccessibility anywhere in both private and public buildings against Persons with Disabilities. It is very unfortunate seeing how the disability communities have been repeatedly shortchanged, if you go to Banks, you can not access the banking services simply because there are no Ramps.
“And you can not use your ATM card through a third party because you will be forced to reveal your password to the third party because many PwDs have fallen victim to third-party intervention.
”Due to their inability to access banking facilities, their monies are stolen by fraudsters because they can not access ATM Machines and anybody available they sought for assistance and they shortchanged in the process.
”It is unfortunate that any bank in this century will not provide suitable access for their customers because many PwDs lost huge amounts of money to fraudsters through the use of third parties.”
Gifwan condemned the inability of banks, schools and hospitals to provide ramps and other assistive facilities for PwDs to access their facilities with ease.
He added, ”The commission will sanction any erring organisation that refuses to provide an enabling environment for PwDs to do their businesses without any hindrance. The executive secretary said, the NCPWD establishment law empower the commission to sanction any individuals or organisations found in violation of the accessibility law.
“The bill for the establishment of this commission provided for a five-year period for organisations to make their facilities accessible to PwDs and the period ended last year.”