In a bid to entrench fairness and inclusivity in government dealings, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are actively involved in the state’s procurement processes. The agency has also pledged strict compliance with existing procurement regulations, saying inclusivity must move from rhetoric to institutionalized action across government systems.
At a recent sensitisation programme held in Lagos, the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, stressed that the agency is determined to empower people living with disabilities by guaranteeing equal access to public procurement opportunities. She explained that inclusive procurement is not merely a feel-good policy but a necessary tool for real empowerment and development.
“Our goal is to dismantle long-standing barriers that have historically excluded persons with disabilities from benefiting meaningfully from government projects,” Oyetunde-Lawal stated. “By complying fully with procurement laws and embedding inclusive practices in our work, LASODA is creating a blueprint for others to follow.”
As part of its renewed focus on implementation, LASODA inaugurated a planning committee during the programme to supervise the integration of inclusive practices across all of the agency’s projects. The committee will work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that PWDs are not only beneficiaries but also decision-makers in the procurement lifecycle.
Stakeholders in attendance applauded the agency’s drive, describing it as a welcome step toward sustainable inclusion. Many noted that when people with disabilities are given equal access to participate in public procurement, it boosts community development and reaffirms the values of equity and justice.
This initiative supports the broader vision of the Lagos State government, which under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has consistently emphasized inclusive governance. It also aligns with provisions of the Lagos State Special People’s Law, which mandates the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all spheres of public life, including economic empowerment.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with calls for social justice and systemic inclusiveness, LASODA’s latest move sets a clear precedent that public institutions must not only make space for the vulnerable but also remove the invisible walls that have kept them at the margins. With practical steps now underway, expectations are high that more agencies across the country will adopt similar models to deepen inclusivity in governance.
