CCD Hosts Landmark Workshop to Develop Demand Charter for PWDs’ Inclusion in Abia State
In a bold move towards promoting the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) convened a groundbreaking three-day capacity building workshop from April 23rd to 25th, 2025, in Abia State.
The event, focused on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and relevant disability laws, culminated in the development and validation of the Abia State Demand Charter on PWDs’ Inclusion in the Petroleum Industry Act. It brought together a diverse group of critical stakeholders, including high-level government representatives, disability leaders, traditional rulers, members of the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs), civil society organizations (CSOs), media practitioners, and PWDs from oil-producing communities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, Acting Director of CCD, welcomed participants with heartfelt appreciation for their commitment to advancing the rights of PWDs. Unumeri emphasized the urgent need for the workshop, citing the glaring exclusion of PWDs from benefit structures outlined in the PIA. “The petroleum industry must not leave PWDs behind,” he asserted. “This gathering is a pivotal step towards ensuring that the law evolves to reflect true inclusivity.”
Goodwill messages from distinguished guests further reinforced the commitment to disability inclusion. Representing the Governor of Abia State, Hon. Ngozi Blessing Felix, Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, declared the Governor’s unwavering support for initiatives that promote the welfare and rights of PWDs. She highlighted the state government’s readiness to work with stakeholders to enhance the protection and empowerment of PWDs within Abia’s oil-producing communities.
Hon. David Anyaele, Executive Director of CCD and a revered voice for disability rights in Nigeria, delivered a powerful address outlining the persistent marginalization of PWDs in the petroleum sector. He commended CSOs for championing initiatives that seek to break these barriers and urged participants to take the workshop seriously, as their contributions would shape meaningful policy advocacy and reform.
The Representative of the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC) enumerated the agency’s previous interventions for PWDs and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting inclusive development. In a similar vein, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources echoed the call for systemic reforms, advocating for the amendment of the PIA to formally integrate PWDs into the structures and governance of Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs).
Chairpersons of various HCDTs present at the workshop acknowledged the importance of deliberate efforts to include PWDs in decision-making processes and benefit structures, promising to champion inclusion within their respective Trusts.
The workshop featured thought-provoking presentations that set the tone for the intensive work that followed. Mr. David O. Anyaele facilitated the first technical session titled “Disability Rights and Models,” where he unpacked the concepts of disability, models of understanding disability (such as the charity, medical, and social models), the prevailing legal frameworks, and practical solutions to dismantling systemic barriers.
Following this, Mr. Godwin Unumeri presented “Ending Barriers Against Niger-Deltans with Disabilities,” offering a deep dive into the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (2021). His session exposed the disability gap within the Act, analyzed its shortcomings against international standards like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and examined the unique environmental and socio-economic context of the Niger-Delta region.
The second and third days of the workshop were dedicated to the development and validation of the Abia State Demand Charter. The sessions kicked off with another rousing welcome from Mr. Unumeri, followed by participant introductions and an overview of CCD’s work in advancing disability rights.
Participants engaged in four intensive technical sessions, covering:
- Baseline Analysis of Stakeholders’ Knowledge of the PIA,
- Ending Barriers Against Niger-Deltans with Disabilities,
- Scope and Dimensions of the Demand Charter,
- Understanding the Host Community Fund and its governance structure.
They were also trained on CCD’s safeguarding policy to ensure the protection and respect of vulnerable populations throughout the process.
Working collaboratively in groups, participants tackled a take-home task to draft key elements of the demand charter, ensuring that the voices and experiences of PWDs shaped every recommendation. By the third day, the workshop reconvened for a refresher session, during which the groups harmonized their drafts into a unified charter.
Key demands outlined in the Abia State Demand Charter include:
- The appointment of PWDs across all levels of PIA governance structures, including Host Community Development Trusts.
- The allocation of at least 5% employment opportunities for PWDs within regulatory bodies and HCDTs.
- A mandatory requirement that all infrastructure and projects funded under the PIA are fully accessible to PWDs.
- Integration of disability rights considerations into Trust Deeds and operational frameworks.
- Regular capacity building for Trust members and oil companies on disability inclusion.
These demands represent a strong collective voice for reform and set a new benchmark for inclusion in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The three-day workshop, supported by the Ford Foundation, marks a significant milestone in the journey toward a more inclusive energy sector. With the Abia State Demand Charter in hand, stakeholders are poised to engage policymakers, regulators, and corporate actors in ensuring that PWDs are no longer sidelined in the governance and benefits of Nigeria’s oil wealth.
As CCD continues to champion the cause of disability inclusion, this workshop serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful change is only possible when those most affected are placed at the center of the conversation.
