By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has dismissed allegations of misconduct in the administration of the N1 billion Disability Intervention Fund.
In a statement, the Office reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of persons with disabilities in the state.
It also acknowledged the media’s role in promoting accountability and expressed sympathy for the families whose experiences were highlighted in recent reports, noting that their challenges underscored the importance of ensuring government interventions reach their intended beneficiaries.
LASODA, however, denied claims that its officials demanded kickbacks before processing requests under the intervention fund, stating that no formal complaint or documented allegation had been received by the Office prior to the publication of the report on June 9, 2026.
According to the agency, the initial information it received regarding the issue came through an anonymous WhatsApp message.
It explained that despite the absence of a formal complaint or sufficient details to identify those allegedly involved, it immediately commenced an internal fact-finding exercise.
“Based on preliminary findings, a suspected officer was identified, and the matter was promptly escalated to the appropriate superior authority in line with the Lagos State Public Service disciplinary procedures,” the statement read.
LASODA clarified that no disciplinary process relating to the allegation has been concluded, contrary to claims contained in the report.
It noted that, in accordance with the Lagos State Civil Service Rules, the appropriate Personnel Management Board will first examine the matter before the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, as the competent authority, determines any disciplinary action.
The Office also rejected claims that disability organizations were blacklisted for refusing to pay kickbacks, explaining that it maintains a register of hundreds of disability-focused non-governmental organizations, homes, centers, and associations across Lagos State.
It stated that the large number of registered organizations makes it impossible for every group to receive direct financial support annually.
According to LASODA, annual institutional support is consistently provided to recognized umbrella associations representing various disability clusters, while support for other registered organizations is based on program priorities, available resources, project needs, and established assessment processes.
It stressed that a failure to receive funding in a particular cycle should not be interpreted as blacklisting.
The Office further clarified that comments attributed in the report 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 chairman of the association in Lagos State and emphasized the need to present stakeholder comments within their proper historical and administrative context.
Reaffirming its commitment to openness, LASODA said it would continue to strengthen transparency through enhanced stakeholder engagement, improved reporting mechanisms, and the ongoing digitization of aspects of its intervention processes to reduce unnecessary human interaction and boost public confidence.
The Office added that the N1 billion Disability Intervention Fund, approved by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reflects the Lagos State Government’s commitment to promoting inclusion, economic empowerment, accessibility, and improved welfare for persons with disabilities.
It pledged to continue administering the fund with integrity, fairness, transparency, and accountability while ensuring that all interventions reach their intended beneficiaries.