Persons with Disabilities Block Lagos Airport Roads Over School Closure

Access roads to Murtala Muhammed Airport were gridlocked on Monday as hundreds of persons with disabilities protested the prolonged closure of a government-run school serving blind and disabled students.

Carrying a banner of the Farmcraft Centre for the Blind, demonstrators blocked major approaches to the airport, forcing some passengers and staff to walk long distances to reach terminals. Organisers said more than 500 people joined the action, with additional supporters arriving from across Lagos.

Protest leaders said the demonstration was aimed at drawing President Bola Tinubu’s attention to the nearly two-year shutdown of their school, which they say has stalled education and rehabilitation services.

“You can see the blind and disabled people; they are angry,” said a protest coordinator who identified himself as Mr. Dolor. “A lot of Nigerians see them as beggars, but now they have their own school—a school that gave them dignity—and it has been shut without reason for almost two years.” He said the main campus is in Isheri with branches elsewhere in the state, and that repeated appeals to state and federal authorities had gone unanswered. “This is why we are here… with the whole airport affected, the message will get to the President,” he added.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) issued a travel advisory signed by spokesperson Obiageli Orah, warning of heavy traffic around the airport and urging commuters to consider alternative routes and confirm flight times with their airlines. FAAN apologised for the inconvenience and advised travellers to monitor official channels for updates.

Protesters vowed to remain at the airport precincts until they receive a firm commitment from authorities on reopening the school.