Lagos, Nigeria – June 28, 2025 —
In a significant move toward fostering social inclusion and accessibility, the Lagos State Informal Sector Support and Monitoring Agency (LASISMA) has joined forces with the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) to empower Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) operating within informal urban settlements.
The collaboration aims to create enabling environments for PWDs by integrating disability-friendly policies, inclusive infrastructure, and capacity-building programs into the informal economy framework. This strategic partnership was unveiled during a joint stakeholder engagement session held in Alimosho Local Government Area, where representatives of the PWD community, artisans, market associations, and community leaders gathered.
Speaking at the event, General Manager of LASISMA, Mr. Adebola Adebayo, emphasized that the informal sector plays a vital role in the state’s economy and must be accessible to all. “We cannot build an equitable Lagos without giving voice and opportunity to every resident, especially those with physical or mental challenges. This partnership is about bridging that gap,” he stated.
General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to the rights of PWDs. She noted that the initiative would include vocational training, inclusive infrastructure design, and business support tools tailored to the unique needs of PWDs in markets, garages, and other informal settings.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as a long-awaited intervention that would improve their participation in economic and social activities.
This collaboration is in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s THEMES+ agenda, which prioritizes inclusivity and the empowerment of marginalized groups in Lagos.
