Beginning January 17, the Federal Government plans to close down public establishments that fail to adhere to the minimum accessibility standards for individuals with disabilities (PWDs). Dr. James Lalu, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), disclosed this during a press conference held on Thursday in Abuja.
The announcement was made in conjunction with the observance of the sixteenth day of action to mark the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Lalu emphasized that once the Federal Government’s five-year deadline concludes on January 16, 2024, the commission will promptly initiate measures to enforce compliance.
“This commission was established with full responsibility for the enforcement of its laws, and it has been stated in the commission’s establishment laws.
“Five years were given to organizations to comply with accessibility laws, and now the five years will expire in January 16 next year, we are now transiting from the era of advocacy to enforcement.
“By January we would go out in full force to make sure that the provisions of the law is properly enforced,” he said.
He added that the commission would enlist all necessary stakeholders to form a special task force to ensure the law’s implementation.
The NCPWD boss also stated that the commission would guarantee that organisations not only meet their accessibility criteria, but also provide 5 per cent employment chances to people with disabilities.