The National Assembly has pledged to take legislative measures to enhance the rights and privileges of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), emphasising its commitment to inclusivity.

The Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters, Bashiru Dawodu, highlighted the legislative body’s resolve, citing the unhindered access PWDs currently enjoy in the National Assembly as a practical demonstration of its efforts.

Speaking further, Dawodu disclosed that the committee is encouraging institutions and agencies to adopt disability-friendly policies. He noted that a recent award presented to a prominent commercial bank recognised its efforts in providing accessible banking services to PWDs.

“The National Assembly is conducive for persons with disabilities to access. You can see them in my office, and they got here without stress,” Dawodu said, referring to his office on the first floor of the House of Representatives wing.

Despite these assurances, critics argue that the design of the National Assembly chambers remains largely inaccessible to PWDs. This has persisted even after the enactment of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018.

Section 4 of the Act mandates that all public buildings be accessible to PWDs, a provision the National Assembly has yet to fully implement. Observers attribute this to the building’s 27-year-old design, which may not have factored in the needs of over 25 million Nigerians living with disabilities.

Dawodu assured that his committee is committed to ensuring a stress-free environment for PWDs, underscoring the need for sustained efforts to bridge the accessibility gap.