National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has stated that it plans to shut down public buildings that do not comply with the minimum standards of accessibility for Persons with Disabilities from January 17, 2024.
Dr. James Lalu, Executive Secretary, NCPWD disclosed this during a press briefing as part of activities to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disability 2023 in Abuja.
Dr. Lalu said the commission would swing into action immediately after the expiration of the five-year moratorium given to organizations by the Federal Government, which is expected to elapse on January 16, 2024.
”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 was given to organisations 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 are properly enforced”.
The ES added that the commission will collaborate with necessary stakeholders to form a special task force to ensure the Discrimination Against Person with Disabilities Prohibition Act 2018 is fully implemented.