The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Lagos State Chapter, has called on the Lagos State Government to strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of funds allocated to disability programmes, urging that resources currently channelled through non-governmental organisations (NGOs) be redirected towards direct support for persons with disabilities.
The association made the call following allegations of corruption and abuse of office involving the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) in the administration of its Disability Intervention Fund.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of JONAPWD, Lagos State Chapter, Barrister Lukeman Abolarinwa Salami, the association said the allegations had raised serious concerns about the management of public funds meant to improve the welfare of persons with disabilities across the state.
The allegations, as reported by The PUNCH, claimed that officials responsible for administering LASODA’s Disability Intervention Fund demanded kickbacks from beneficiary organisations before releasing grants, while organisations that declined to comply were allegedly denied future funding.
JONAPWD said while it welcomed LASODA’s response to the allegations, there was a need for a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation, with the outcome made public in the interest of accountability.
LASODA Responds to Corruption Allegations
LASODA, through its General Manager, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, had denied the allegations and disclosed that the agency commenced an internal fact-finding exercise after receiving an anonymous petition.
The agency stated that a suspected officer had been identified and referred to the appropriate disciplinary authority in line with Lagos State Public Service procedures.
LASODA added that any disciplinary action against the officer would ultimately be determined by the Civil Service Commission, following due process.
While acknowledging the steps taken by the agency, JONAPWD urged the Lagos State Government to ensure that the investigation is not limited to internal processes but subjected to independent oversight.
The association stressed that transparency in the handling of disability funds is critical because such resources are designed to address the needs of vulnerable citizens and improve their quality of life.
JONAPWD Raises Concerns Over Disability Funding
Beyond the ongoing investigation, JONAPWD expressed concerns over what it described as a lack of transparency in LASODA’s funding of disability-focused NGOs and organisations.
The association alleged that millions of naira are disbursed annually to disability groups, homes and advocacy organisations without publicly available records showing beneficiaries, amounts released or the criteria used in selecting recipients.
According to JONAPWD, the absence of publicly accessible funding records has made it difficult for stakeholders to assess whether disability interventions are reaching the intended beneficiaries.
The association further claimed that some organisations, including those it alleged lacked proper registration, had received grants exceeding ₦2 million in a single funding cycle, while recognised disability clusters received less.
JONAPWD noted that it received ₦1.5 million in institutional support last year despite being the umbrella body representing disability clusters in Lagos State.
Although LASODA has maintained that recognised umbrella associations receive annual institutional support while other organisations are funded based on programme priorities and assessment processes, JONAPWD argued that the criteria and records guiding such decisions should be made available for public scrutiny.
Group Demands Reform of Disability Funding System
As part of its demands, JONAPWD called on the Lagos State Government to review its approach to disability funding and prioritise direct interventions for persons with disabilities.
The association argued that government resources should focus more on structured social protection programmes, including cash transfers and other direct support initiatives for verified persons with disabilities.
It said NGOs should primarily seek funding through donors, development partners and philanthropic organisations rather than relying mainly on government grants meant for disability interventions.
JONAPWD also urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to conduct a public review of LASODA’s NGO funding over the past five years, including disclosure of beneficiary organisations, amounts disbursed and the criteria used in allocating funds.
The association further called for independent oversight of the ongoing investigation into the corruption allegations, stressing that disability-related resources must be managed through a transparent and accountable process.
JONAPWD said the welfare of an estimated three million persons with disabilities in Lagos State depends on a funding system that is needs-driven and free from abuse.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with the Lagos State Government and LASODA while continuing to advocate reforms that would ensure disability interventions directly benefit persons with disabilities.
Share this
