The government of Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, deserves commendation for its latest moves to cushion the effect of the rising cost of living in the country. But it is unclear how vulnerable groups would benefit from the interventions.

Development Diaries reports that the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced a 25 percent discount on fares for transportation services run by the government, a reduction in working days for civil servants, and the opening of soup kitchens to feed residents across the 20 local government areas (LGAs) that make up the state.

However, what are the intervention plans for people living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups?

Vulnerable populations, especially persons with disabilities, often face compounded challenges such as poverty, discrimination, and limited access to resources.

They face a major obstacle of inaccessible transportation facilities: they are overburdened with not being able to move freely and independently, go to work or school, and do other activities. And in a state like Lagos, with congested roads and chaotic traffic, it is more challenging for them.

In line with the Lagos State Special People’s Law of 2011, the state government can address systemic inequalities and promote sustainable development by incorporating these groups into intervention strategies.

For example, in Egypt, there are policies in place that are concerned with assistive technology and the usability of transportation systems for people with disabilities.

Development Diaries calls on the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, and the Commissioner for Transportation in the state, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, to consider a specialised transportation scheme that meets the needs of people living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

Photo source: Ebunoluwa Akinbo/Al Jazeera