Adequacy of the national building code (2006) in promoting Universal Design practices in Nigeria.

Abstract

Universal design seeks to develop environments that are accessible to all users, fostering inclusivity and equal opportunity for everyone. Therefore, effective building regulations are essential to support and advance universal design in developing the built environment. This study examined accessibility provisions of Nigeria’s National Building Code (2006), which is an extensive document that provides set standards for how buildings should be designed, constructed and maintained in Nigeria. The National Building Code was examined to identify gaps hindering inclusivity in the built environment, thereby determining their adequacy in promoting universal design practices, towards enabling individuals to participate in society without physical barriers. The study is a review article that employed qualitative research methods to gather, analyse, and present data. A systematic textual analysis was conducted using secondary sources, including the NBC (2006), the 7 Principles of Universal Design, and key accessible design standards. The data were grouped into themes, and the content was analysed. A descriptive approach and thematic categories were employed to explain the findings. To achieve its findings, the study used two objectives, it examined the existing accessibility provisions of the National Building Code in relations to the requirements of Universal Design Principles and used the provisions found to determine the adequacy of the Code in promoting universal design practices in the development of the built environment. The findings revealed that although the Code contained some relevant accessibility provisions, several of them were vague, lacked detailed specifications or dimensions needed to ensure inclusivity. The study submitted that in its current state, the National Building Code (2006) operational in Nigeria is inadequate in promoting the ideals of universal design. The study recommends a detailed systematic revision of the code to address the identified shortcomings relating to accessibility.