The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has dismissed reports alleging irregularities in the administration of the ₦1 billion Disability Intervention Fund, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability and the welfare of persons with disabilities across the state.
Eko Hot News reports that LASODA responded to media reports concerning the management of the intervention fund, stating that it remains committed to ensuring government support reaches eligible beneficiaries through established procedures.
The Office acknowledged the role of the media in promoting accountability and transparency in public institutions.
LASODA also expressed sympathy for families featured in the reports, noting that their experiences underscore the importance of the Disability Intervention Fund and continued government support for persons with disabilities.
Responding to allegations that some officials demanded kickbacks before processing intervention requests, LASODA said 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 from an individual.
Despite the absence of a formal complaint, LASODA said it immediately commenced an internal fact-finding exercise to determine the facts surrounding the allegations.
The Office disclosed that preliminary findings led to the identification of a suspected officer, after which the matter was escalated to the appropriate supervising authority in line with Lagos State Public Service procedures.
LASODA clarified that no disciplinary proceedings relating to the matter have been concluded.
It explained that under the Lagos State Civil Service Rules, the appropriate Personnel Management Board will first examine the matter before the Lagos State Civil Service Commission determines any disciplinary action where necessary.
The Office also rejected claims that organisations were blacklisted for refusing to pay kickbacks.
According to LASODA, the agency maintains a large register of disability-focused non-governmental organisations, homes, centres and associations operating across Lagos State.
It explained that the number of registered organisations makes it impossible for every group to receive direct financial support within a single funding cycle.
LASODA stated that annual institutional support is consistently provided to recognised umbrella associations representing various disability groups.
Support for other registered organisations, it added, is determined by programme priorities, project requirements, available funding and established assessment processes.
The Office stressed that not receiving funding during a particular cycle should not be interpreted as blacklisting or exclusion.
LASODA also clarified comments attributed to Dr. Adebukola Adebayo in the report.
It explained that the comments were made during his tenure as Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Lagos State Chapter, under a previous administration of LASODA.
The Office noted that Dr. Adebayo no longer serves as the current chairman of JONAPWD in Lagos State.
LASODA emphasised the importance of presenting stakeholder comments within the correct historical and administrative context to avoid public misunderstanding.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening transparency through improved stakeholder engagement and better communication with disability communities.
It also announced plans to enhance reporting mechanisms and continue the digitisation of aspects of its intervention processes.
According to LASODA, reducing unnecessary human interaction in service delivery will improve efficiency, accountability and public confidence in the administration of disability support programmes.
The Office reiterated that the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities remain central to the Lagos State Government’s social development agenda.
LASODA assured residents that it will continue working with stakeholders, civil society organisations and disability groups to improve service delivery and ensure that intervention programmes are implemented fairly, transparently and in accordance with established guidelines.
