Nigeria’s ongoing journey toward universal design received renewed attention this week at a sensitization workshop on the National Disability Act of 2018, where the Society of Landscape Architecture Nigeria was officially invited to participate.

Representing the Society at the event was the National President, Dr. Atumye Amos Alao, who noted that the discussions brought forward truths many people often overlook in everyday outdoor environments.

Although disability is still imagined by many as only physical impairment, the spectrum extends far beyond that. It includes blindness, albinism, hearing loss, mobility limitations, neurodiversity, chronic health conditions and, very importantly, the natural impact of ageing. As the country grows older, every Nigerian will eventually experience some level of vulnerability that depends heavily on how thoughtfully our spaces are designed today.

Landscape Architecture plays a vital role in shaping this reality. Every design decision, from the choice of paving materials to walkway gradients and the way one surface transitions into another, affects how people move, interact and experience public spaces. What may seem like a minor detail to one person can determine whether a space supports dignity or quietly undermines it.

Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Amos Alao emphasized that “design is never neutral; it either welcomes or it embarrasses.”

He highlighted the real experiences shared by participants including wheelchair users dealing with floor finishes that damage their tires, persons with prosthetic limbs struggling with painful uneven walkways and visually impaired individuals navigating spaces without tactile cues.

“Our landscapes can wound quietly and unintentionally, but they can also heal and empower when designed with empathy,” he added.

The Society used the gathering as a platform to reaffirm its commitment to the full advancement of the National Disability Act. The President expressed SLAN’s wholehearted support for the Act, especially its provisions for accessible public outdoor spaces across the country.
SLAN also signaled its intention to collaborate with the Abuja Department of Parks and Recreation to carry out an Accessibility Audit of government approved recreational parks in the Federal Capital Territory, a move that aligns closely with national goals for inclusive development.

Development partners such as Christofel BlindenMission (CBM) were acknowledged for their continuous leadership in disability inclusion, especially in encouraging collaboration between professionals and government institutions. Their ongoing advocacy reinforces the principle that accessibility must be intentional from the start, not added as an afterthought.

Dr. Alao also commended the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps for being one of the foremost advocates and active practitioners of the 2018 Disability Act. Their practical steps toward ensuring compliance and promoting awareness were highlighted as exemplary and inspiring for other institutions across the country.

One of the strongest messages emerging from the workshop was the universal nature of disability. Ageing alone will place millions of Nigerians at different points along the disability spectrum. As Dr. Alao noted, “inclusion is not a favour, and accessibility is not charity; it is a right that protects everyone, including our future selves.”

With rising awareness and growing professional commitment, Nigeria stands at an important turning point in shaping public outdoor spaces that reflect fairness, dignity and safety. Through persistent advocacy, technical expertise and a people centered approach, SLAN continues to position Landscape Architecture at the heart of this national effort, ensuring that the country’s outdoor environments evolve toward genuine inclusion for all.