Hamza Muhammad Uba
Aviation stakeholders have called for stronger collaboration to make Nigeria’s airports more accessible and inclusive for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and elderly passengers, as efforts intensify to remove barriers to air travel across the country.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a stakeholders’ meeting held at Terminal C of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja under Project Elevate: The National Aviation Accessibility Initiative, a research programme aimed at assessing accessibility standards within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) pledged to work closely with government agencies, disability advocates and industry stakeholders to improve airport facilities and services for passengers with special needs. The authority said creating an inclusive travel environment remains a priority as the aviation industry continues to modernise.
According to the organisers, Project Elevate is designed to identify existing accessibility challenges, evaluate progress already made and recommend practical measures that will ensure compliance with national and international accessibility standards. The initiative seeks to promote safe, dignified and seamless air travel for persons with disabilities and elderly travellers.
Members of the research team stressed that meaningful progress will require sustained cooperation among airport operators, regulators and advocacy groups. They also highlighted the need for continuous investments in accessible infrastructure, passenger support services and staff training.
As part of the initiative, the team is engaging the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other stakeholders to strengthen compliance with accessibility regulations across the aviation industry and encourage the adoption of best practices that support inclusive air transport.
Advocates say improving accessibility at airports is essential not only for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities but also for enhancing Nigeria’s aviation sector by ensuring that all passengers can travel safely, independently and with dignity.
