NCAA sets up Disability Inclusion Oversight Committee, appoints Michael Achimugu as chairman

“Every Nigerian, regardless of disability, deserves dignity and equal access to air travel. Our task is to ensure the aviation sector finally reflects that mandate.”

By Mariya Shuaibu Suleiman

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has appointed Michael Achimugu, its Head of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, as chairman of a newly created Disability Inclusion Oversight Committee.

The appointment, confirmed on Thursday by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, follows rising pressure for the aviation sector to comply fully with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.

Mr Achimugu announced the development on his social media post.

“I have been appointed Chairman of the NCAA Disability Inclusion Oversight Committee by the DGCA, Capt. Chris Najomo. The task before this committee is as arduous as it is simple, and I pledged on behalf of my colleagues to discharge our duties to the best of our abilities.” He wrote.

Following House committee visit

PRIME TIME NEWS gathered that the creation of the oversight body comes after the House Committee on Disability Matters that inspected NCAA facilities during an oversight visit.

Lawmakers had engaged NCAA officials on the implementation of the 2018 Act and other frameworks designed to end discrimination against persons with disabilities.

Mr Achimugu explained that the NCAA’s move is a direct response to the committee’s concerns.

“Our goal is clear: to ensure full compliance with the 2018 Act,” he said. “This means making sure that all our facilities, both within the NCAA and across the stakeholders we regulate at the airports, including FAAN and ground handlers tomeet the requirements of the law.” He said.

He added that the oversight committee would soon hold its inaugural meeting, after which it would brief the media on its mandate, strategies, and the stakeholders it plans to engage.

Bridging Accessibility gaps in Aviation

The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act was passed in 2018 and signed into law in January 2019. It provides for the full integration of persons with disabilities into society and prescribes penalties for institutions and individuals that violate its provisions.

Among other requirements, the law mandates that public buildings, transport services, and institutions ensure accessibility within a five-year transitional period that elapsed in January 2024.

In aviation, disability rights advocates have consistently raised concerns over poor accessibility at Nigerian airports, citing inadequate ramps, lack of signage, absence of trained staff, and discriminatory treatment by some airlines.

These lapses, they argue, not only contravene the Act but also put the lives and dignity of persons with disabilities at risk.

According to Mr Achimugu, by establishing the Disability Inclusion Oversight Committee, the NCAA is positioning itself as both regulator and example, tasked with ensuring compliance across airlines, ground handlers, and airport operators, while also upgrading its own facilities.