Nigeria’s Accessibility Crisis: A Nation Built Without Everyone in Mind

Introduction

Photo by Alexandre Saraiva Carniato

"To be disabled in Nigeria is to be undesirable, unwelcomed, and unaccepted. It’s a lonely, scary, and isolated place."
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These were the heartbreaking tweets of Mr. Debola Daniel on X (formerly called Twitter). Debola Daniel, the son of a prominent Nigerian politician made this tweet after he was denied entry into a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant popularly known as KFC at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The reason?  Wheelchairs were not allowed into the restaurant's premises. While the Lagos State Government swung into immediate action after the tweets, Debola's encounter was a glaring reminder of the harsh realities persons living with disability face daily in Nigeria.  This also begs the question—If a privileged individual could face such blatant discrimination, what about the unheard voices of millions of everyday Nigerians living with disabilities?  

For a country estimated to have 35.1 million people living with disabilities, Nigeria's built environment has poor accessibility standards. When an environment is inaccessible, it creates barriers to participation and inclusion. An assessment by the World Bank on disability inclusion in Nigeria reveals that persons with disabilities lack access to basic services and that attitudinal barriers represent a major impediment to their socioeconomic inclusion. Government buildings, schools, hospitals, and even businesses operate to serve only one type of Nigerian—the able-bodied ones. This article explores Nigeria’s lack of accessibility standards, and the struggles of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and calls for strict enforcement of Nigeria's Discrimination  Against Persons With Disabilities Act. Fortunately, non-profit organizations like Anvaya Feats, are passionate about advocating for accessibility and inclusion. This is evident in their mission to empower persons with disabilities and marginalized communities by creating accessible projects, environments, and organizational cultures; and building an international community that challenges stigma.

The Lack of Accessibility Standards in Nigeria

The ability for everyone, regardless of disability, to have access, use, and benefit from their environment is accessibility.  Accessibility4 ensures that people with disabilities have access to the physical environment, transportation, information, and communications and to other facilities and services that are open or provided to the public, on an equal basis with others. This inclusively empowers people with disabilities to engage fully and equally with others. 

Accessibility is not charity. It is not an act of kindness. It is a right that ensures everyone can move, work, and live independently regardless of ability. It means ramps where there are stairs, elevators where there are high floors, braille on signs, accessible buses, and digital platforms that serve the visually impaired.

The Harsh Reality of Accessibility in Nigeria

Accessibility barely exists in Nigeria. Imagine you need to access the second floor of a government office, you arrive and realize there’s no ramp, just a steep flight of stairs. The security guard shrugs when you ask for help. No elevator. No alternative entrance. Just stairs and indifference. This describes the poor state of accessibility in Nigeria. 

A 2022 Agora Policy report shows that 98.5% of public buildings fail to meet accessibility standards. When it comes to transportation, there are no wheelchair-friendly buses or taxis. Sidewalks? Broken or nonexistent. Bank doors are highly inaccessible for PWDs. Hospitals and schools? Unaccommodating. If you cannot climb stairs, you may as well not enter.

Living with a Disability in an Inaccessible Environment

Sometime in 2020, I got a taste of what it means to live with a disability in Nigeria. A femoral fracture left me wheelchair-bound after surgery.  Simple tasks like entering a building or attending classes became overwhelming. Ramps and elevators were nonexistent in public buildings including hospitals, and no one seemed to think that it mattered. My school could not provide an alternative for me to write exams even after knowing my mobility status.  For me, it was temporary. For millions of Nigerians, this is life.

Schools rarely provide braille materials, sign language interpreters, or assistive devices. Government offices are so inaccessible that wheelchair users must rely on others to carry them in. Workplaces exclude PWDs job seekers by default—less than 1% of PWDs work in the formal sector.

And then there’s the stigma. Stories like Debola Daniel’s KFC incident prove that businesses can boldly refuse service to PWDs with little to no consequences. This isn’t just discrimination, it’s a complete exclusion of PWDs from public life.

Barriers Faced by Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria

PWDs in Nigeria struggle daily with mobility, education, and employment inclusion, made worse by stigma, government neglect, and poor infrastructure.

•  Architectural Barriers

A 2021 study by a Nigerian civil engineer showed that most buildings are not wheelchair accessible, with 80% of construction firms failing to consider PWDs in their designs. The research also concluded that the National Building Code (2006) lacks clear accessibility guidelines. It is therefore not a surprise that public buildings are largely inaccessible.

•  Educational Barriers

Only 2% of PWDs have access to education. Schools lack braille materials, sign language interpreters, and assistive technology. Many institutions fail to accommodate students with disabilities, particularly during exams— I experienced this firsthand when my school had no alternative solutions after my surgery. Students with disabilities suffer name-calling, bullying, and other negative attitudes from both teachers and students. 

• Employment Barriers

In Nigeria, less than 1% of PWDs work in the formal sector. PWDs are denied employment due to discriminatory hiring and inaccessible workplaces. Many companies do not offer wheelchair access, flexible work hours, or adaptive technology. This barrier forces PWDs into poverty and economic dependence. Without urgent action, PWDs will remain isolated, excluded, and economically marginalized.

A Law Without Implementation: Nigerian Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities Act

The Nigerian Government in 2019 enacted the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure accessibility in public spaces.  The law primarily states that:

• No person or institution shall discriminate against a person based on their ability.

 

• All public structures and buildings, whether immovable, movable, or automobiles, must be modified within five years to become accessible to PWDs, including those using wheelchairs.

 

• PWDs have equal rights to education, healthcare, and employment.

 

• At least 5% of all recruits must be persons with disabilities. 

 

• Discrimination carries penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Yet, six years later, not so much has changed. Today, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are still clamoring for enforcement of this law. Government buildings remain inaccessible. Private businesses continue to exclude PWDs. There is no enforcement, no accountability, and no urgency. What good is a law if it exists only on paper?

Nigeria's Progress on Accessibility after the Disability Act 

Despite the gap between the enactment and implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act, of 2018, Nigeria has made some notable strides toward disability inclusion.

One major achievement is the establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD). Though limited by funding and capacity challenges, the commission was created to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and ensure compliance with the Act.

In governance, the representation and participation of PWDs have gained more attention. There has been an increase in the inclusion of PWDs in political offices at both state and federal levels.

Beyond politics, Nigeria has demonstrated its commitment to disability rights through several initiatives. The government established a Presidential Task Force to enforce compliance with disability laws and drive the effective implementation of inclusive policies. The House of Representatives also set up a Disability Inclusion Committee to monitor and support the Disabilities Act. In addition, the Federal Government in 2021 made it mandatory that sign language interpreters be included during major news broadcasts, to ensure better accessibility for the hearing-impaired.
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While these efforts mark significant progress, Nigeria still has a long way to go. Stronger policy implementation, increased advocacy, and greater investment in disability programs are essential to achieving full inclusion.

Successful Accessibility Initiatives in Africa

Nigeria can take a leaf from other African countries that have taken practical steps towards breaking the barriers to accessibility. Take Rwanda, for example. In 2019, the Rwandan Government introduced accessible buses to make transportation easier for PWDs. 

In South Africa and Cape Town City, rapid transit programs were developed through initiatives such as the “Accessible Cities South Africa” and “MyCiTi bus service”. Through these programs, low-floor buses and accessible stations to accommodate PWDs were provided.

In Algeria, the National Office for Assistive Devices ensures that persons with disabilities (PWDs) can access essential aids. Public transport systems also have upgraded features like tactile paving and designated seating. Because of Executive Decree No. 06-144 introduced in April 2006, PWDs enjoy reduced fares and free transportation.
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Lastly, in the eastern flank of South Africa, Eswatini is nailing inclusive education in various ways. First, tertiary institutions in Eswatini accommodate PWDs with open arms. This is in tandem with the country's National Education Policy.

Learning institutions across the country also provide an accessible environment. For example, wheelchair ramps instead of staircases and, instead of isolating PWDs, they integrate them with other students. The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) donated specialized equipment for visually impaired students to the University of Eswatini to show commitment to PWDs. 

By adopting similar measures, the Nigerian government can demonstrate a real commitment to disability inclusion.

When Disability Meets Other Forms of Marginalization

Disability does not exist in isolation. It intersects with poverty, gender inequality, and rural underdevelopment, making life even harder for certain groups.

For women with disabilities, the challenges are even greater. They face both gender discrimination and accessibility barriers, making healthcare, education, and employment even harder to access. Maternal healthcare facilities rarely consider women with mobility challenges, forcing many into unsafe alternatives. 

In rural areas, where schools and hospitals lack basic accessibility, persons with disabilities are often completely excluded from education and healthcare. Without intervention, many will remain dependent, extending the cycle of poverty and exclusion.

A Call For Urgent Action

The exclusion of PWDs is a human rights issue. If Nigeria is serious about inclusion, action must replace empty promises.

​Having the law enacted is not enough, there is a need for strict enforcement of the 2018 Disabilities Act. Stronger penalties should also be meted out for institutions that refuse to comply. In addition, construction stakeholders should include accessibility to Nigeria’s National Building Code, and finally;  nationwide awareness campaigns should be carried out to dismantle harmful stereotypes. Finally, the role of NGOs and Civil Societies can not be underestimated. Hence, these bodies should not relent in pursuing the implementation of this law until real actions are taken. Above all, PWDs must have a seat at the table when policies that affect them are being made. ​

Conclusion

Debola Daniel’s experience at KFC, my struggles, and the countless untold stories of exclusion make one thing clear—Nigeria must do better.

Disability does not equate to inability, but inaccessibility does equate to inability and disability.  It is necessary to note that accessibility is not optional. It is a right. And until laws are enforced, institutions are held accountable, and mindsets change, millions of Nigerians will remain locked out of opportunities. The time for action is now!

About the Author

Promise Okoro is an accessibility specialist dedicated to creating inclusive digital environment. With expertise in WCAG,  universal design principles, assistive technologies, and accessibility compliance standards, Promise works to ensure that products and services are usable by people of all abilities. Connect with him on LinkedIn to learn more about his work in advancing digital inclusion.

References

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3. “World Bank. 2020. Disability Inclusion in Nigeria: A Rapid Assessment. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/34073  License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”
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5. Agora Policy. (2022). How to deepen gender, social, and political inclusion in Nigeria (Agora Policy Report No. 3). Agora Policy. Retrieved February 21, 2025, from https://agorapolicy.org.
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7. Emiri, D. A. (2021). Assessment of accessibility and disability planning in the Nigerian construction industry. ASRIC Journal on Engineering Sciences, 1, 31-38. Retrieved February 21, 2025, from www.asric.org.
8. National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. (2018). Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 [PDF]. Retrieved from https://ncpwd.gov.ng
9. Rwanda Dispatch. (n.d.). User-friendly buses encourage PWDs to use public transport. Retrieved from https://rwandadispatch.com/user-friendly-buses-encourage-pwds-to-use-public-transport/
10. Springer Nature Link (2024). People Living with Disabilities in South African Cities
11. Accessed on: Wikipedia, Disability in Algeria, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disability_in_Algeria
12. "National Policy Statement On Education" (PDF). Mbabane, Swaziland: Swaziland Ministry of Education. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2024-08-03. 
13. ESCCOM donates specialised equipment for three UNESWA visually impaired students". University of Eswatini. Kwaluseni. 2023-06-19. Archived from the original on 2024-09-27.