The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of persons with disabilities, following media reports alleging irregularities in the administration of the ₦1 billion Disability Intervention Fund.
In a statement, the Office acknowledged the vital role of the media in promoting accountability and expressed sympathy for families whose experiences were highlighted in the reports. LASODA noted that their challenges underscore the importance of the Disability Intervention Fund and the need to ensure that government interventions reach deserving beneficiaries.
Responding to allegations that some officials demanded kickbacks before processing requests for financial assistance, LASODA stated that, as of June 9, 2026, it had not received any formal complaint or documented allegation before the publication of the reports. According to the Office, the first information regarding the claims came through an anonymous WhatsApp message.
Despite the absence of a formal complaint and limited information identifying those allegedly involved, LASODA said it immediately commenced an internal fact-finding exercise. Preliminary findings led to the identification of a suspected officer, and the matter was promptly referred to the appropriate superior authority in line with the Lagos State Public Service disciplinary procedures.
The Office clarified that no disciplinary proceedings on the matter have been concluded internally, contrary to suggestions in the reports. It explained that, in accordance with the Lagos State Civil Service Rules, the appropriate Personnel Management Board will review the case, while the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, as the competent authority, will determine any disciplinary measures where necessary.
LASODA also dismissed claims that disability organisations are blacklisted for refusing to pay kickbacks. The Office explained that it maintains a register of hundreds of disability-focused non-governmental organisations, homes, centres, and associations across the state, making it impracticable to provide direct financial support to every organisation each year.
According to the statement, annual institutional support is consistently extended to recognised umbrella associations representing the various disability clusters, while other registered organisations receive support based on programme priorities, available resources, project requirements, and established assessment processes. It stressed that not being selected during a particular funding cycle should not be interpreted as blacklisting.
The Office further clarified that comments attributed in the reports to Dr. Adebukola Adebayo were made during his tenure as Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Lagos State Chapter, under a previous LASODA administration. It noted that Dr. Adebayo is no longer the current chairman of the association and urged that stakeholder comments be presented within their proper historical and administrative context.
LASODA said it remains committed to strengthening transparency through enhanced stakeholder engagement, improved reporting mechanisms, and the continued digitisation of its intervention processes to reduce unnecessary human interaction and further boost public confidence.
The Office reiterated that the ₦1 billion Disability Intervention Fund, approved by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, reflects the Lagos State Government’s commitment to advancing inclusion, accessibility, economic empowerment, and improved welfare for persons with disabilities. It pledged to continue administering the Fund with integrity, fairness, transparency, and accountability while ensuring that every intervention reaches its intended beneficiaries.
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