Laraba MUREY
The Centre for Disability and Inclusion Africa has launched the #WheelchairNotLuggage campaign to address the human rights abuses faced by mobility-challenged persons in Nigeria.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the Centre’s Executive Director, Yinka Olaito, described the campaign as a crucial step toward eliminating the inhumane treatment meted out to wheelchair users by public transport operators.
Olaito noted that individuals who rely on wheelchairs have long endured mistreatment, including being denied transportation, facing additional charges for their wheelchairs, or being subjected to degrading behavior by drivers of public buses, cars, and even airline operators.
“Nigeria’s Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Law 2018 explicitly prohibits such abuses,” Olaito said, emphasizing that treating wheelchairs as luggage or refusing to board individuals using them is illegal and punishable under the law.
He called on leaders of transport associations across the country to educate their members and ensure compliance. He also urged stakeholders in the disability inclusion ecosystem to advocate for the rights of mobility-challenged persons.
The campaign, launched in Lagos, marks the beginning of a series of initiatives aimed at achieving full compliance with the law and fostering inclusivityinclusivit.
