People with disabilities have criticized the long distance between the arrival and departure halls and the aircraft at Gombe Airport. They also highlighted the lack of universally acceptable wheelchairs and unfriendly toilet facilities, describing these shortcomings as major barriers to airport access. Consequently, they urged the state government to domesticate the National Disability Rights Act in order to create an enabling environment for persons with disabilities.
Fatima Yakubu, National Women Leader of the People with Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria and State Chairperson, explained, “The problem we face at Gombe Airport is the distance from the departure hall to the aircraft. Additionally, some aircraft are not equipped to meet the needs of persons with disabilities; they lack adequate wheelchairs. We are pleading with the government to adopt the national disability law in Gombe State, as the law is essential for our well‑being.”
Abdulwahab Matepo, National Chairman of the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria, added that, given the overwhelming security issues on the roads, air travel is both the fastest and safest option, yet it remains problematic for people with disabilities. He noted, “Gombe Airport has limited facilities because it is still a state‑government facility. If it were owned by the Federal Government, the facilities would be of a higher standard. I’m pleased that the government is working to hand it over, and we appreciate the improvements because they have made traveling to Gombe much easier.”
