The need for accurate, precise and well documented data collection for public infrastructures in Nigeria has been emphasized to be a factor that will enable right measurement for accessibility models.
The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons With Disabilities Mr. James David Lalu disclosed this while addressing members of Accountability Lab Organization during a visit to the Commission recently in Abuja.
“Everywhere in the world, information gathering is key to planning for the development of the society” Lalu said.
The Executive Secretary explained that the Commission is working closely with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to provide the standard measurements for Accessible infrastructures in Abuja.
He further disclosed that the Commission is embarking on working visit to Federal Schools and Colleges to ensure that the minimum standards are factored into the school curriculum for Building Engineering students who will eventually receive special certification upon their graduation.
Lalu further expressed appreciation to the group for showing interest in the Commission especially at this time the organization is working to ensure that minimum accessibility requirement is strictly adhered to at public buildings by organizations.
In his response, the Country Director of the Group, Mr. Friday Odeh said that Accountability Lab in partnership with the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics appreciate the Commission for opening its doors to accountability. He Described Lab as an organization that is solely interested in carrying out surveys on government organizations primarily to ensure Open Government Partnership (OGP) which guarantees access by private corporations and individuals to government offices.
Odey further described the process as a channel for testing the compliance and the impacts of policies and programmes of government on individuals in the society in the spirit of good governance.
He also proposed partnership with the Commission and pledged the Group’s readiness to assist the organisation towards the commemoration of the 2021 International day for Persons with Disabilities and the forthcoming PWDs’ National Summit slated for 3rd December, 2021.