The newly inaugurated President of the Association of Accessibility Professionals (AAP), Mr. Dapo Taiwo, has issued a strong appeal to key societal players. He is urging them to make the development of inclusive infrastructure, services, and workplaces a top priority for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
A Strategic Vision for National Inclusion
Taiwo made this crucial call during the unveiling of the association's strategic plan for 2026 to journalists in Lagos on 12 January 2026. He firmly stated that accessibility is not a luxury but a fundamental requirement for genuine social inclusion, active economic participation, and sustainable national development.
The association's vision, as outlined by its President, is to become a purposeful, strong, and respected professional body. This body aims to set national standards, build technical capacity, influence public policy, and most importantly, drive practical implementation on the ground.
Collaboration for Compliance and Capacity
Mr. Dapo Taiwo assured stakeholders that the AAP is committed to working hand-in-hand with the government, the private sector, and civil society organizations. The goal is threefold:
- To mainstream inclusive design principles in all sectors.
- To strengthen the professional capacity of those working in accessibility.
- To support compliance with Nigeria's landmark Discrimination Against Persons with Disability Act (2018) and international obligations like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
He emphasized that the association remains dedicated to fostering collaborations that yield practical and measurable improvements in accessibility across the nation.
A Multisectoral Approach to Accessibility
Explaining the AAP's mission, Taiwo described it as a leading professional body committed to advancing disability inclusion in both physical and digital environments throughout Nigeria. The association brings together experts from various fields including:
- The built environment and construction
- Technology and digital innovation
- Policy development and advocacy
- Social development
Through advocacy, setting professional standards, capacity building, and active stakeholder engagement, the AAP works to promote accessibility in buildings, transportation systems, public spaces, and digital platforms. This comprehensive approach is designed to create a more inclusive Nigeria for all.
