- Disabled Protesters Block Access to Lagos Airport, Cause Major Traffic Chaos
- Passengers were seen carrying their luggage over long distances in an effort to reach their flights on time
- FAAN advises commuters to use alternative routes and check flight schedules with their airlines
Activities around Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed Airport were severely disrupted on Monday as hundreds of physically challenged individuals protested the closure of a government-operated school for people with disabilities.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the demonstrators, carrying a banner from the Farmcraft Centre for the Blind, blocked key access roads to the airport, leading to major traffic jams and preventing smooth movement for passengers and airport employees.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Ibom Air Bans Passenger After Violent Assault on Crew
- Davido Honours Late Son Ifeanyi with Custom Cufflinks at Miami Wedding
- BBNaija S10: Danboskid, Ibifubara Evicted as Crew Member’s Death Shocks Viewers
This protest effectively brought airport operations to a standstill, risking many travelers missing their flights. Passengers were seen carrying their luggage over long distances in an effort to reach their flights on time.
According to the protesters, their demonstration was aimed at drawing President Bola Tinubu’s attention to the plight of disabled students whose education has been halted for nearly two years.
They claimed over 500 people took part, with more expected to join from various parts of Lagos. Protesters vowed to stay at the airport until the government gave a firm response about reopening their school.
A protest leader who gave his name only as Mr. Dolor described the efforts made to reopen the school before resorting to protest.
“You see these blind and disabled people; they are frustrated. Many Nigerians see them as beggars, but now they have their own school, a place that gave them dignity, and it has been closed without explanation for almost two years,” he said.
Dolor explained that the school is located in the Isheri area of Lagos, with branches throughout the state.
The protesters said they had sent numerous official letters and delegations to state and federal authorities but received no response.
“That is why we are here,” Dolor stated.
He added, “We understand not every message reaches the President, but this one, with the whole airport disrupted will definitely get his attention.”
In response, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, through spokesperson Obiageli Orah, issued a statement warning travelers and airport users about heavy traffic, advising commuters to use alternative routes and check flight schedules with their airlines.
The statement read, “This is a travel advisory for passengers and commuters to/from Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos. Due to an ongoing protest by the Farmcraft Centre for the Blind, traffic congestion is affecting access roads to the airport.”
The authority apologized for the inconvenience and urged travelers to remain patient and stay updated through official channels.
FURTHER READING
