Advertisement
The Director General of Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, has inaugurated the NCAA Disability Inclusion Oversight Committee at the Authority’s headquarters in Abuja. The committee launch follows an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Persons with Disabilities, which emphasized the need for stronger institutional compliance.
Disability Inclusion at NCAA
The newly inaugurated body will ensure the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) aligns with both national disability inclusion laws and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) accessibility standards.
This development comes at a time when stakeholders are pushing for greater equity and inclusiveness across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Committee members include Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, who serves as Chairman. Others are Horatius Egua, Director of Special Duties; Ifueko Abdulmalik, Senior Special Assistant to the DGCA and Head, Flight Operations and Adjudication; Olumide Salu; Harry Dagana; Fatti Tijjani Kumalia; Engr. Shamsuddeen Dalhatu; and Nafeesa Abubakar Shamaki.
Oversight and compliance goals
Speaking during the inauguration, Captain Najomo noted that NCAA’s mandate extends beyond regulatory oversight. He stressed that advancing disability inclusion is both a legal requirement and a moral obligation.
“The NCAA is committed to ensuring that no passenger is excluded from the aviation ecosystem. With this committee, we will deliver compliance and accountability that meet both national and international expectations,” Najomo stated.
Committee Chairman Michael Achimugu explained that the group will focus on monitoring accessibility in airports, airlines, and aviation services.
He assured that reports would be submitted periodically to the DGCA for immediate corrective actions where gaps are identified.
Breaking barriers for persons with disabilities
The launch of the Disability Inclusion Oversight Committee underscores Nigeria’s growing alignment with global best practices.
The International Civil Aviation Organization has consistently called on states to implement inclusive frameworks that guarantee safe, dignified travel for persons with disabilities.
By strengthening institutional mechanisms, NCAA aims to reduce barriers such as inadequate airport facilities, lack of trained staff, and poor passenger-handling protocols for vulnerable travellers.
Stakeholder collaboration for inclusiveness
The NCAA initiative is expected to foster stronger collaboration with local and international partners, including advocacy groups for persons with disabilities. Industry observers believe this committee could serve as a model for other African aviation regulators.
Aviation analysts point out that improved disability inclusion not only enhances Nigeria’s compliance with ICAO Annex 9 on Facilitation but also boosts the nation’s aviation image. With global passenger expectations shifting toward inclusiveness, regulators that act proactively will enhance competitiveness.
Sustaining Nigeria’s aviation standards
The NCAA has, in recent months, taken steps to strengthen consumer protection and passenger welfare. According to the DGCA, the establishment of the Disability Inclusion Committee complements broader reforms aimed at aligning Nigerian aviation with international safety, security, and service benchmarks.
The committee is also expected to work closely with airlines and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to ensure policies translate into real improvements at airports nationwide.
As Nigeria moves toward global aviation leadership, initiatives like this highlight the importance of accessibility for all categories of travellers. Disability inclusion is no longer an option but a necessity for sustainable aviation growth.
Advertisement
