The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued a travel advisory for those flying to or from Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos.
In a statement released on Monday, FAAN explained that the advisory is a response to ongoing protests by visually impaired people, which are causing significant traffic congestion on the roads leading to the airport.
“This is a Travel Advisory for passengers and commuters to/from Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos,” the statement said.
“Due to an ongoing protest by the Farmcraft Centre for the Blind, traffic congestion is currently impacting access roads to the airport.”
To help passengers manage the situation, FAAN advised them to “Check traffic updates before departing for the airport.
Confirm flight status with your airline for any schedule changes. Use alternative routes where possible to avoid heavily congested areas.”
FAAN apologized for any disruption the traffic is causing and thanked passengers for their “patience and understanding,” encouraging them to travel safely and stay updated.
Reports indicate that on Monday, visually impaired protesters gathered near the airport, creating a traffic jam that forced many travelers to walk long distances to catch their flights.
The demonstrators stated they were protesting the fact that their school has been closed for more than two years and that their repeated pleas to the government have been ignored.
A spokesperson for the group stated, “Our school has been shut for over two years despite repeated appeals to the government.”
The protesters added that the government’s inaction has deprived them of educational opportunities, leading many disabled individuals to resort to begging on the streets.
According to TheCable, the main access roads to the MMA, which handles local flights in Lagos, have been blocked since the protest began around 11 a.m.