Walking for Accessibility: A365 Project Advocates for Inclusive Nigeria

Walking for Accessibility: A365 Project Advocates for Inclusive Nigeria

February 7, 2025 – Abuja, Nigeria

In a powerful display of solidarity and advocacy, the Cedar Seed Foundation (CSF), in collaboration with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and supported by the MacArthur Foundation, organized the Walk for Accessibility under the Accessibility365 (A365) Project. The event aimed to push for the full implementation of the Nigerian Disability Act 2018, a critical legal framework designed to protect the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.

Why the Walk Matters

Despite being enacted in 2018, the National Disability Act has yet to be fully implemented, leaving many PWDs facing daily challenges in accessing public infrastructure, employment, and essential services. The Walk for Accessibility served as a call to action, demanding the enforcement of key sections of the Act that guarantee accessibility, non-discrimination, and penalties for violations.

A Unified Voice for Change

Over 50 advocates, including representatives from disability-focused organizations, civil society groups, and the media, participated in the walk. Their collective message was clear: “Accessibility is not an option, it’s essential.”

Lois Auta, Executive Director of Cedar Seed Foundation, emphasized the importance of accessibility beyond physical mobility—highlighting its role in dignity, inclusion, and human rights. She called for collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and stakeholders to ensure accessibility in all spaces.

Comrade Chris Agbo and Nseabasi George Ufford echoed these sentiments, stressing the urgent need for disability-friendly infrastructures and the enforcement of Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Act.

Amplifying the Message

The event garnered media attention from major outlets like Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Armed Forces Radio, while social media buzzed with hashtags like #WalkForAccessibility and #InclusiveNigeria. Participants marched through key locations in Abuja, holding banners with messages such as “Create a world for all” and “Equal access, equal opportunity.”

Beyond the Walk: The A365 Project Vision

The A365 Project is more than just a one-day campaign. It is a year-round movement advocating for inclusive infrastructure, accessible transportation, and digital platforms designed to accommodate PWDs. The project also calls for mandatory accessibility standards, adapted public services, and strong monitoring mechanisms for compliance.

The Road Ahead

The Walk for Accessibility was a crucial step towards an inclusive Nigeria. Cedar Seed Foundation and its partners remain committed to engaging policymakers, raising public awareness, and monitoring the implementation of the Disability Act. The journey continues, and every step counts towards building a society where accessibility is a right, not a privilege.