THE PRESIDENT of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Mrs Mobolaji Adeniyi, has assured the institute’s commitment to design disability-friendly buildings.
She made the commitment on Thursday in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Disability Inclusion Nigeria, a Civil Society Organisation.
According to her, architects have the responsibility of designing and providing appropriate shelter for various activities and ensure that the buildings that they design cater for every member of the society.
She added that the institute was particular about ensuring inclusivity in building designs, and that the agenda for the NIA seeks to ensure that everybody has access to buildings.
“So, we find it very interesting that we are able to relate with Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and ensure that everything that is needed for them to be comfortable in their buildings and even outside the buildings are provided.
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“We have decided as an institute to sign this MoU to ensure that architects in this country recognise the importance of inclusivity in their designs.
“We will organise workshops and seminars that will serve as vibrant advocacy to ensure that every building, no matter the scale, from the bungalows, to the high-rise bungalows, are accessible.’’
Adeniyi explained that for buildings to be inclusive, it is not just about gaining access into it, but also about the facilities within the building.
The institute president said “we take into consideration, if toilets in the buildings cater for wheelchair users, ensure the railings on the ramp are appropriate, while the lifts are user-friendly for PWDs.
“It is important that we have inclusive designs and we are committed to ensure that we carry out this advocacy,’’ she said.
She announced that the institute would partner government as much as possible to have an audit of public buildings to ensure that PWDs are comfortable within them.
She added that the institute would ensure that buildings are designed according to set standards.
The convener of Disability Inclusion Nigeria, Mr Jake Epelle, said that signing the MoU with the institute was significant, as it would ensure that henceforth, buildings are designed with inclusivity in mind.
“This is a huge feat for all of us in the disability movement. Today, not only is this institute saying that it is going to do this, but putting pen to paper to signify intention to live up to expectations. “The institute has agreed not only to do what is morally expected, but also legally expected that every design be inclusive.” (NAN)
