The Centre for Disability and Inclusion Africa has unveiled the #WheelChairNotLuggage campaign, a bold initiative aimed at combating the persistent human rights abuses faced by mobility-challenged individuals across Nigeria.
The campaign, launched in Lagos, seeks to end discriminatory practices in public and private transportation, ranging from refusal to transport wheelchair users to charging additional fees for their mobility aids.
At the event, Yinka Olaito, Executive Director of the Centre for Disability and Inclusion Africa, noted that the campaign is long overdue as victims of such discriminatory practices suffer in silence.
“For too long, individuals who rely on wheelchairs for mobility have suffered in silence—facing neglect, mistreatment, and even illegal charges by transporters, including bus, car, and airline operators.
“This campaign is a demand for reorientation and behavioral change among transport providers, Olaito said.
Citing Nigeria’s Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, Olaito emphasized the illegality of such actions.
“Wheelchairs are personal mobility items, not luggage. Refusing to transport someone with a wheelchair or treating it as excess baggage is a violation of their rights and could lead to criminal prosecution,” he added.
The campaign calls on leaders of transportation associations to educate their members and ensure compliance with the law. It also encourages stakeholders in the disability inclusion space to amplify the message, advocating for equity and justice for persons with disabilities.
“This is just the beginning,” Olaito stated, outlining plans for sustained advocacy and activities until discriminatory practices are eradicated.