Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Bayelsa State have called for their inclusion in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), urging the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to ensure they benefit from development structures established under the law.
The call was made during a two-day capacity-building workshop organized by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) in Yenagoa. The workshop, themed “Ending Barriers Against Niger Deltans with Disabilities,” aimed to strengthen the capacity of PWDs to advocate for their rights and inclusion in the PIA and disability laws.
Participants from various disability clusters presented a charter of demands to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), stressing that while the PIA recognizes women, youths, and traditional rulers, it does not specifically address the needs of persons with disabilities. They urged the Commission to ensure that Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) incorporate disability concerns in line with the National Disability Act.
Speaking at the event, Founder of CCD and Chairman of the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, Mr. David Anyaele, emphasized the need for equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. He urged participants to use the knowledge gained from the training to advance disability rights and improve the wellbeing of their communities.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Bayelsa Chapter, Mr. Mayor Ekpomokumo, said disability groups in the state were united in demanding full participation in all benefit structures under the PIA. He also commended Governor Douye Diri for signing the Bayelsa State Persons with Disabilities Bill into law.
Senior Programme Officer of CCD, Mrs. Florence Attah, highlighted environmental challenges affecting Niger Delta communities, including water pollution, fish depletion, and acid rain, and called for urgent government intervention to address the issues.
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