Access to the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos was severely disrupted on Monday as hundreds of physically challenged individuals staged a protest over the prolonged closure of a government-funded school for persons with disabilities. The demonstrators, carrying a banner of the Farmcraft Centre for the Blind, blocked major access roads leading to the airport, causing heavy traffic jams that left passengers and airport workers stranded. Many travellers were forced to walk long distances with their luggage to catch their flights.
Protest leaders said the demonstration was intended to draw President Bola Tinubu’s attention to the plight of disabled students, whose education has been on hold for nearly two years due to the school’s closure. Over 500 protesters reportedly took part, with more arriving from across Lagos.
The group vowed to remain at the protest site until their demands were met, calling on the government to immediately reopen the educational facility. In response, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) issued a travel advisory through its spokesperson, Obiageli Orah, warning travellers of heavy congestion and urging them to confirm flight schedules and consider alternative routes.
“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 currently impacting access roads to the airport,” the statement read. FAAN apologised for the disruption and encouraged passengers to stay updated through official information channels.
