The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) convened a three-day capacity building workshop in Abia State aimed at promoting the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) within the framework of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021. The event also focused on the development and validation of the Abia State Demand Charter on PWDs’ Inclusion in the PIA.
The workshop, which attracted a broad range of critical stakeholders, including representatives of the Abia State Governor, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, the Chairman of the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, representatives of the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), HCDT board members, disability leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and the media, sought to address the marginalization of PWDs in the oil and gas sector.
In his opening remarks, CCD’s Acting Director, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, expressed appreciation to participants for honouring the invitation and emphasized the urgency of addressing the exclusion of PWDs in the PIA. Goodwill messages followed, with Hon. Ngozi Blessing Felix, Commissioner for the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection and representative of the State Governor, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare of PWDs.
Hon. David Anyaele also decried the historical exclusion of PWDs from oil and gas benefit structures and pledged support for initiatives improving the lives of PWDs.
Representatives from ASOPADEC and the Ministry of Petroleum similarly underscored the need for inclusive governance and called for amendments to the Act to incorporate PWDs into Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) structures.
The technical sessions commenced with Mr. David O. Anyaele’s presentation on “Disability Rights and Models,” exploring the legal frameworks and realities facing PWDs. Mr. Unumeri’s subsequent presentation on “Ending Barriers Against Niger-Deltans with Disabilities” examined the gaps in the PIA and the broader environmental and social context of the Niger-Delta region.
The second and third days of the workshop were dedicated to drafting and validating the Abia State Demand Charter. The exercise culminated in the adoption of key demands, including the appointment of PWDs across the governance structures of the PIA, the allocation of 5% employment opportunities for PWDs within regulatory organizations and HCDTs, and ensuring accessibility to infrastructure and projects initiated by HCDTs.
The workshop was hailed as a significant step toward ensuring that no one is left behind in the distribution of oil and gas benefits in Abia State and beyond.
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