The House of Representatives Committee on Disabilities has demanded the full enforcement of the provisions of Disabilities Act, 2018 in the aviation industry.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Disability Matters, Hon. Dr. Bashiru Dawodu gave the charge on Wednesday during the Committee’s oversight visit to the charged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) headquarters in Abuja.
The Committee lauded the NCAA’s determination to comply fully with the provisions of the Act as a responsible organisation.
He said the NCAA as the aviation regulator has the mandate to regulate the provisions of the Act amongst sister agencies, the airlines and other operators in the industry.
Dawodu said, “You’re responsible for the enforcement of PWD regulation in the aviation industry.”
He commended NCAA’s efforts complying with the provisions of the Act as regards to employment, support to disability causes and accessibility.
Speaking, the Director-General Civil Aviation (DGCA) Nigeria, Capt. Chris Najomo, represented by the Director, Operations, Licensing and Training, Capt. Donald Spiff said the authority under his watch is non-discriminatory.
He explained the NCAA aside employing persons with disability, has audited its buildings, making corrective measures where necessary to aid access for the persons with disabilities.
On his part, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu reiterated that the agency was deliberate about inclusiveness on disability matters, adding that a risk assessment had been done and the implementation is ongoing.
He said since Najomo has deliberately taken into account the concerns of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and has variously supported programmes of PWDs since he came in board.