The federal government has announced plans to shut down public buildings that do not comply with the minimum accessibility standards for persons with disabilities (PWDs) starting January 17.

James Lalu, the executive secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), disclosed on Thursday while briefing journalists in Abuja.

The news conference was organised as part of the 16-day activism to commemorate the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Mr Lalu said the commission would swing into action immediately after the expiration of the five-year ultimatum given to organisations by the federal government, which is expected to elapse on January 16, 2024.

The NCPWD chief said, “By January, we would go out in full force to make sure that the provisions of the law are properly enforced. We would start meeting with our own partners to constitute a task force immediately before this Christmas; everything will be on the ground before the end of this year.

“So that as we come in early next year, the task force will swing into action immediately, and by January 17 at 12:00 a.m., the enforcement of accessibility laws will take effect. The commission’s task force will move out in full force and will start visiting key offices for physical assessment of facilities in the key offices.”

He added that the commission would ensure that organisations comply with not only their accessibility requirements but also the five per cent employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, said the commission received President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s full backing in implementing their accessibility laws.

Ms Edu assured the commission’s executive secretary of her support to ensure enforcement of accessibility laws. According to her, the effective implementation and enforcement of the relevant disability laws is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians.

(NAN)