The federal government has threatened to shut down financial institutions in Nigeria that violate the accessibility law on the movement of persons with disabilities.

Ayuba Gufwan, the executive secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in an interview on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Gufwan, while reacting to a case of alleged discrimination against Chris Agbo, a wheelchair user at one of the popular banks in Area 3, on September 18, by the bank’s staff.

”The incident unfolded between 11:45 a.m. when Agbo wanted to use the banking hall and the ATM machine but was unable to access the bank’s facilities due to a lack of ramps. He sent his aide inside to request assistance.

”However, the aide was informed that the bank’s ATM machine was not working, and Agbo was left with no other option. This highlights the ongoing accessibility challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Nigeria, despite the existence of laws meant to protect their rights,” he said.

Regarding the development, Mr Gufwan said the commission will investigate this and other similar cases.

According to him, NCPWD will not hesitate to ensure the prosecution of any organisation violating the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, which mandates that organisations make their facilities accessible to PwDs.

He, therefore, condemned any act of discrimination against persons with disabilities, saying that the commission will do all within its powers to ensure organisations comply with the provisions of the law.

The executive secretary said the NCPWD establishment law empowers the commission to sanction any individuals or organisations violating the accessibility law.

He stated, “So, this is a year of action because moratorium period was to give time to existing building, structures to be modify and make them accessible to all manner of persons with disabilities.

”We will ensure strict supervision, monitoring and evaluation to make sure that every building that serve the public in this country is fully complied with the Accessibility Law.”

(NAN)