Coalition of Disability Organisations has called for increased accessibility at airport terminals and airlines accross Nigeria for people living with disabilities (PLWDs).

The convener of the group, David Anyele, made the call at a sensitisation programme for airline stakeholders in Jos. He also called on airport authorities and airline operators to make provisions for equipment, personnel and infrastructure that would guarantee a seamless travel experience for PLWDs.

“We are worried that in spite of the passage of the discrimination against people living with disabilities Provision Act, PLWDs still struggle to access airports. Air travel is the most convenient long distance for Nigerians, as such, PLWDs patronise airport services regularly,” he explained. “But when we cannot access airports seamlessly. It has become an issue of abuse, indiscrimination and inhumane treatment. We are here to sensitise aviation stakeholderson seamless access to airports.”

Mr Anyaele expressed gladness that stakeholders in Plateau had identified gaps and were willing to close them by putting in place the required equipment at airports for easy accessibility.

He commended the Plateau government for giving assurances to make the Yakubu Gowon Airport a ninth level airport which is obtainable in other countries.

Gwantong Isaac of the Civil Aviation Authority regretted that the airport in Plateau was not built with the PLWDs in mind.

Mr Isaac said the airport had no designated car parks, consumer desks for people with disabilities, special toilet facilities, flight display systems and others, to ease their movement.

(NAN)