Group Calls for Inclusion of PWDs in Oil Exploration Benefits

By Praise Chinecherem

Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has urged the government and oil companies to ensure persons with disabilities (PWDs) are included in the socio-economic benefits of the sector.

Acting Director, CCD, Mr Godwin Unumeri, made the call on Wednesday in Awka, at a three-day workshop on Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, organised by the centre and sponsored by Ford Foundation.

The workshop had the theme ‘Ending Barriers Against Niger Deltans with Disabilities’.

Unumeri lamented that PWDs were excluded from the PIA 2021.

He said there was the need to ensure their inclusion in the benefit structures outlined in the Act across the Niger Delta region, including Anambra.

“Anambra recently became an oil-producing state, promising more revenue, basic projects and job creation.

“But there are also raising concerns about environmental degradation and exclusion of people with disabilities.

“PWDs are majorly affected by environmental degradation due to oil exploration and yet they are not included in the PIA benefit structure.

“The goal of this workshop is to develop a charter of demands to ensure equal opportunities in employment, training, community projects and decision-making processes,” he said.

Also speaking, Senior Programme Officer, CCD, Ms. Florence Attah defined disability as long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment that, when combined with barriers, can hinder full and equal participation in society.

She assured CCD’s commitment to promoting disability rights and development through advocacy and capacity building to empower PWDs to demand their inclusion in the PIA.

Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Anthony Ifeanya acknowledged the importance of inclusivity in the economic prosperity of the state.

Ifeanya represented by Mr Christian Obiadi said the outcome from the workshop would help the government achieve a disability-inclusive framework.

Chairman, Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas, Anambra Chapter, Mr Okafor Amanke said there was need to work towards an equitable management of oil resources in the state.

Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD), Anambra Chapter, Mr Ugochukwu Okeke appreciated CCD for championing the inclusion of PWDs in the nation’s policies.

“With this workshop we will be equipped with the right knowledge to engage properly and ensure our inclusion in the PIA,” he said.