The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has organised a three-day capacity-building workshop in Anambra State aimed at strengthening stakeholder engagement and ensuring the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The workshop, held from August 12 to 14, 2025, formed part of CCD’s project to end barriers for Niger-Deltans with disabilities. It brought together traditional rulers, the Chairman of the Host Community Development Trust, civil society organisations (CSOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), relevant government agencies, disability clusters, and members of the media.
Speaking at the event, CCD’s Acting Director, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, stressed the need to raise awareness about the PIA Act 2021, which currently recognises women, youth, and traditional rulers, but excludes PWDs. He described this omission as a form of discrimination, noting that PWDs deserve to be part of the benefit structures of the PIA.
Participants were trained on disability rights, strategies for breaking barriers, and the importance of integrating PWDs into the PIA’s framework. The Chairman of the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, Barr. Chukwuka Ezewuzie, represented by Mr. Bonaventure Umeokwuonna, called for the inclusion of PWDs as rightful beneficiaries of the Act. Similarly, the State Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Hon. Barr. Anthony Ifeanya, represented by Engr. Christian Obiadi, urged stakeholders to explore avenues for disability inclusion in the implementation of the PIA, stressing that inclusivity would benefit the entire community.
PWDs also received training on key provisions of the PIA Act 2021, particularly on safeguarding policies and monitoring & evaluation. They further developed a Demand Charter, a document designed to serve as an advocacy tool for pressing their inclusion in the Act’s benefit structures.
The Founder of CCD, who also serves as Chairman of the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, presented insights on the Disability Act, sharing experiences of how it was signed and implemented to protect the rights of PWDs. He urged participants to replicate similar advocacy strategies to strengthen their push for inclusion under the PIA.
At the close of the workshop, participants adopted the Demand Charter, while Mr. Godwin reiterated that the impacts of oil and gas exploration must be disability-inclusive to ensure that no one is left behind. He encouraged PWDs to engage actively at the community level.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Amanke Okafor (Kachi), Chairman of the Host Community, applauded CCD for the initiative, describing the workshop as a significant milestone in advancing the rights and inclusion of PWDs within the framework of the Petroleum Industry Act.
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