Activities around Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos were severely disrupted on Monday as hundreds of physically challenged individuals protested the closure of a government-run school for people with disabilities.
Carrying banners representing the Farmcraft Centre for the Blind, the protesters blocked key access roads leading to the airport, causing massive traffic congestion and halting movement for both passengers and airport staff.
The protest brought airport operations to a near standstill, with many travelers forced to trek long distances to reach terminals, risking missed flights.
The demonstrators said the protest was aimed at drawing President Bola Tinubu’s attention to the plight of disabled students whose education has been halted for nearly two years due to the school’s closure.
Over 500 protesters participated, with more reportedly arriving from across Lagos. They pledged to remain at the airport until the government provides a clear plan for reopening the school.
Mr. Dolor, a protest leader, described the frustration felt by the community. “You see these blind and disabled people; they are angry. Many Nigerians view them as beggars, but they had a school that gave them dignity, and it has been shut down for almost two years without explanation,” he said.
The school, located in Isheri, Lagos, with branches across the state, has been the focus of repeated appeals to state and federal authorities through letters and delegations, but no response has been received.
“This is why we are here,” Dolor explained. “We know not every message reaches the President, but with the airport affected, this one surely will.”
In response, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), through spokesperson Obiageli Orah, issued a travel advisory warning passengers and commuters of heavy traffic due to the protest. The statement urged travelers to seek alternative routes and confirm flight details with airlines.
FAAN apologized for the inconvenience and encouraged travelers to remain patient and stay updated via official channels.
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