By Chinelo Obogo
The House of Representatives Committee on Disabilities has directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to fully enforce the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 in the sector.
The chairman, Dr. Bashiru Dawodu, issued the directive this week during the committee’s visit to the NCAA’s headquarters in Abuja. While commending the NCAA for its commitment to complying with the Act, Dr. Dawodu said that as the regulator, the NCAA has a duty to enforce the provisions of the Act’s among other agencies, airlines, and other industry operators. He acknowledged the NCAA’s progress in complying with the Act, particularly in employment opportunities and support for disability causes.
The NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, who was represented by the Director of Operations, Licensing, and Training (DOLT), Capt. Donald Tonye Spiff, assured the committee that the NCAA under his leadership is inclusive. He explained that the NCAA has conducted accessibility audits of its buildings and implemented corrective measures to ensure ease of access for PWDs.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, said that since Capt. Najomo assumed office, the NCAA has actively supported programmes for those living with disability.