Persons with Disabilities demand inclusion in Anambra oil exploration benefits

By Obinna Nnorom

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has urged the government and oil companies to ensure that Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) are included in the socio-economic benefits of oil exploration in Anambra State, following the state’s recent designation as an oil-producing state.

CCD lamented that PWDs were excluded from the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and called for their inclusion in the benefit structures outlined in the Act.

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

She stated that CCD is committed to promoting disability rights and development through advocacy and capacity building to empower PWDs to demand their inclusion in the PIA.

In his remarks, Mr Anthony Ifeanya, Anambra state’s Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, acknowledged the importance of inclusivity in the economic prosperity of the state.

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

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

Mr Ugochukwu Okeke, Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD), Anambra Chapter, 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