The Nigerian House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the compliance of public buildings across the country with the provisions of the *Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act*, particularly in ensuring accessibility for people living with disabilities. This move follows the expiration of the five-year transition period mandated by the Act, which required public buildings to be redesigned for easier access by January 2024.
Chairman of the House Committee on Disability Matter, Hon. Bashiru Dawodu (APC, Lagos), who led the debate, emphasized that despite the provisions of the Act, many public buildings remain inaccessible to persons with disabilities. He highlighted that the Act guarantees people with disabilities the right to access physical environments and public buildings on an equal basis with others. The failure to comply, Dawodu said, hampers the full integration of persons with disabilities into society.
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The House has instructed relevant committees to investigate the approval processes for building plans by regulatory authorities to ensure that proper provisions for accessibility were included. According to the *Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act* signed into law in 2018, public buildings were given a five-year period to modify facilities such as sidewalks, elevators, and toilets to make them accessible. However, Dawodu pointed out that the expiration of this transition period has passed, and many persons with disabilities still face challenges in accessing public spaces.
