Lagos, Nigeria – Monday —
Normal activities around the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos were thrown into chaos on Monday as hundreds of persons with physical and visual disabilities staged a massive protest over the closure of a government-run school dedicated to the education of people with disabilities.
Armed with placards and a large banner reading Farmcraft Centre for the Blind, the protesters blocked major access roads leading to the airport. Their action brought vehicular movement to a standstill, causing a traffic gridlock that stretched for kilometres. Passengers and airport staff were left stranded, while many travellers, dragging suitcases behind them, were forced to trek long distances in a desperate bid to catch their flights.
A Protest Born of Frustration
According to the demonstrators, their action was aimed at drawing the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the plight of disabled students whose education has been on hold for nearly two years following the unexplained closure of the Farmcraft Centre for the Blind in Isheri, Lagos. The school, which also operates branches in other parts of the state, has served as a lifeline for many students with disabilities, providing them with skills, education, and a sense of dignity.
“We have written letters, sent delegations, and made appeals to both state and federal authorities, but no one has given us a single response,” said protest leader Mr. Dolor. “You can see the blind and disabled people here; they are angry. Many Nigerians see them as beggars, but this school gave them dignity. Now it’s been shut down without explanation for almost two years.”
A Growing Movement
Organisers estimated that more than 500 persons with disabilities took part in Monday’s protest, with more participants reportedly arriving from across Lagos to join the demonstration. The crowd included individuals using wheelchairs, crutches, and white canes, as well as visually impaired protesters guided by their peers.
“This is why we are here,” Dolor continued. “We know not every message reaches the President, but with the whole airport affected, this one will surely get to him.”
Airport Operations Disrupted
The demonstration effectively held airport access “to ransom,” as some airline staff described it. The disruption sparked fears that many passengers could miss their scheduled flights. By midday, queues of frustrated travellers had formed inside the terminals as airlines scrambled to adjust boarding times.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the disruption in a public advisory issued by its spokesperson, Obiageli Orah.
“This is a travel advisory for passengers and commuters to/from Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos,” the statement read. “Due to an ongoing protest by the Farmcraft Centre for the Blind, traffic congestion is currently impacting access roads to the airport.”
FAAN urged commuters to seek alternative routes and advised passengers to confirm their flight schedules with airlines before heading to the airport. The authority also apologised for the inconvenience and appealed for patience, assuring that it was working with relevant authorities to restore normalcy.
Vows to Stay Until Government Responds
Protesters said they would remain at the airport until they received a “concrete and official” assurance from the government on when the school would reopen.
As evening approached, chants of “We want our school back!” echoed through the blocked roadways. For many, the protest was more than a fight for education — it was a fight for dignity, opportunity, and the right to live without being pushed to the margins of society.
Whether the government will respond promptly remains to be seen, but Monday’s dramatic events sent a clear message: Nigeria’s disability community is willing to disrupt the status quo until its voice is heard.
