Project Elevate, a team of deaf advocates and disability experts from the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG), on Wednesday, took the advocacy against airport barriers against People With Disabilities (PWDs) to the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The team, during the meeting, shared firsthand experiences and struggles of PWDs at the Nigerian airports, especially at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.
The experiences were revealing, scary and pathetic as air travel remained a gamble for millions of PWDs –many missed their flights because they could not hear the gate change, while some others were being carried like luggage because the ambulift is locked away.
Project Elevate And Advocacy Against Airport Barriers
The SPPG Team delivered its message in a clear term to FAAN and other stakeholders namely, that law on air travel should be enforced, in accordance with the National Aviation Accessibility Initiative.
The team, led by Comrade Abiodun Ozurumba, met with FAAN’s Head of Operations, Nanloh Nuhu, at Terminal C of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The Mission
For Project Elevate, the National Aviation Accessibility Initiative is a capstone project that could reshape how airports in Nigeria treat passengers with disabilities.
“This is to develop practical recommendations that support compliance with existing regulations and enhance passengers’ travel experiences within Nigerian airports,” Ozurumba said during the meeting.
It was not just talk at the meeting as the team brought a lived experience to the table. The SPPG Team also didn’t come alone; It brought the receipts.
Dr. Adebukola Adebayo, an accessibility expert and consultant to the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD); and Deaconess Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase, founder of Deaf Women Association of Nigeria (DWAN) and former Chairperson of Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD), Lagos State Chapter, detailed their struggles as frequent flyers through NAIA, Abuja.
Their stories mirrored those of thousand others –audio-only announcements that leave deaf travelers stranded, ambulifts gathering dust, while staff lift passengers manually, PWDs signage not conspicuous enough at boarding gates and no visual alerts during emergencies.
Dr. Adebayo, in his submission, opined that PWDs should not be taken to the tarmac when boarding has not commenced.
He recounted his experience of Sunday, 12 April, 2026 when an airline kept him in the sun and by the plane for almost 20 minutes.
Deaconess Beyioku-Alase, popularly known as Mama Deaf, canvassed for, at least, two interpreters per airport in Nigeria.
She expressed gratitude to all present, praying that Project Elevate would succeed with its mission. She said no one would wish or pray for disabilities, yet everyone was an incident away from disability.
“Only those with empathy can embark on this kind of exercise. I am happy with this meeting and I thank you all, FAAN, NCPWD, Dr. Adebayo, Project Elevate Team,” Beyioku-Alase said.
A representative of Barrister Ikem Uchegbulam, NCPWD Director of Compliance and Enforcement, was also present —a reminder that a violation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act, 2018 attracts ₦1 million fine.
FAAN Promises Bigger Table
FAAN, in its response during the visit, promised a bigger table, to create more space for the PWDs in air travel and treat them with human dignity.
The FAAN Team, including its Technical Adviser, Usman AbdulSalam and Departmental HR, Anietie Udoh, however, disclosed that the Authority is not responsible for the human treatments PWDs were subjected to at the airport, as they are just landlords to airlines and ground handlers.
Notwithstanding its status, FAAN promised to convene a wider stakeholder meeting, inviting the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), airlines, and ground handlers.
The aim of the meeting, it further disclosed, was to strengthen government efforts across NAIA and the other 25 functioning airports in the country.
Project Elevate And NCAA
The team had already contacted NCAA, the sole aviation regulator, to seek clarification on frequent complaints from the disability community, access to relevant compliance data, policy documents guiding airlines and airport operators.
It also sought to know the technical input in the recommendations for improved regulatory implementation and inclusive air travel, in line with the Civil Aviation Regulations and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act 2018.
Why Meeting With NCAA Matters?
Nigeria has over 27 million PWDs with over 25 passing through the NAIA, Abuja daily and over 100 during festivities.
NCAR’s Part 19 already mandates accessible flight information, proper boarding equipment, and dignified treatment. Yet implementation lags.
Project Elevate, a graduation requirement for SPPG, is betting that data, lived experience, and legal pressure can turn policy into practice.
“This isn’t about special treatment,” a team member, Nana Shuiab, said. “It is about equal access to a service Nigerians pay for.”
What’s Next?
The expanded FAAN meeting date is yet to be set. But with NCAA, NCPWD, and disability advocates now in the loop, NAIA, Abuja could become the test case for accessible air travel in Nigeria.
