Awka, Anambra State — The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has called on the Anambra State government and oil companies to ensure that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are fully included in the socio-economic benefits of the petroleum industry, stressing that their exclusion contradicts the spirit of inclusivity and fairness enshrined in national and international frameworks.
This appeal was made by Mr. Godwin Unumeri, Acting Director of CCD, at a three-day workshop on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, held on Wednesday in Awka. The event, sponsored by the Ford Foundation, carried the theme: “Ending Barriers Against Niger Deltans with Disabilities.”
Exclusion of PWDs from the PIA Raises Concerns
In his remarks, Mr. Unumeri expressed deep concern over the continued exclusion of persons with disabilities from the benefit structures of the PIA 2021, despite their direct and indirect exposure to the challenges of oil exploration.
“Anambra recently joined the league of oil-producing states in Nigeria, which holds the promise of increased revenue, job creation, and development projects,” he noted. “However, with this also comes the risk of environmental degradation and the persistent exclusion of PWDs from critical opportunities. Persons with disabilities are among the most affected by the negative impacts of oil exploration, yet they are not factored into the benefit structure of the PIA.”
He further explained that the workshop sought to produce a charter of demands that would ensure disability-inclusive frameworks in employment, training, community development projects, and decision-making processes in the petroleum sector across the Niger Delta region, including Anambra State.
CCD’s Commitment to Disability Rights
Adding to the discussion, Ms. Florence Attah, Senior Programme Officer at CCD, emphasized that disability is defined as a long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment which, when combined with societal barriers, hinders equal participation.
“CCD is committed to promoting disability rights through advocacy and capacity-building initiatives aimed at empowering persons with disabilities,” she said. “We cannot achieve inclusive development if PWDs continue to be sidelined in sectors that shape the socio-economic landscape.”
Government’s Assurance of Inclusivity
On behalf of the Anambra State Government, Mr. Anthony Ifeanya, Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, acknowledged the importance of inclusivity in driving the state’s economic growth. Represented by Mr. Christian Obiadi, Ifeanya commended CCD for championing the rights of PWDs and assured participants that the outcomes of the workshop would guide the government in building a more disability-inclusive petroleum sector.
“The state government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in our quest for development and prosperity,” Obiadi said.
Call for Equitable Management of Oil Resources
Also speaking at the workshop, Mr. Okafor Amanke, Chairman of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON), Anambra Chapter, underscored the need for equitable management of oil resources in the state. He stressed that inclusivity must be at the core of resource allocation and project implementation to ensure fairness and social justice.
A Step Toward Inclusive Development
The workshop served as a platform for dialogue between civil society, government officials, and host community representatives, with a shared understanding that sustainable development cannot be achieved without addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly persons with disabilities.
With CCD pushing for stronger advocacy and the government signaling readiness to adapt inclusive policies, the engagement marks an important step toward ensuring that the benefits of Anambra’s new oil-producing status are shared equitably among all citizens.
