By Agbo Christian Obiora,
In a powerful move to ensure no Nigerian is left behind in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), with the support of the Ford Foundation, convened a transformative three-day capacity-building workshop from March 25–27, 2025, in Akwa Ibom State. The workshop focused on amplifying the voices of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the PIA benefit-sharing structures and co-creating a demand charter that reflects their rights, priorities, and aspirations.
Held under the theme “Leaving No One Behind in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector: Disability Inclusion in the PIA Benefit Structures”, the event brought together disability rights advocates, legal experts, representatives of Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs), government officials, and traditional leaders. The atmosphere was electric with purpose as participants collaborated to shape an inclusive future for PWDs in the Niger Delta region.
A Call to Action for Disability Inclusion
Setting the tone for the workshop, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, Acting Director of CCD, delivered a heartfelt welcome address. He emphasized the workshop’s strategic importance for the disability community, particularly in Akwa Ibom—a key oil-producing state. “This initiative is timely and critical. The Petroleum Industry Act, for all its promise, must be implemented in a way that reflects the diversity of Nigeria’s population. Persons with disabilities must be part of the planning, implementation, and benefit-sharing processes,” Unumeri stressed.
In a poignant goodwill message, CCD’s Executive Director, Mr. David Obinna Anyaele, recounted the relentless advocacy efforts that preceded the passage of the PIA. He lauded the Akwa Ibom State Government for appointing aides on disability matters and called on the disability community to rally behind them for collective impact. “Disability inclusion should not be an afterthought; it must be an integral part of Nigeria’s development,” Anyaele declared.
Confronting Barriers: The Reality for PWDs in the Oil-Rich Region
Day one of the workshop featured in-depth presentations that painted a sobering picture of the lived experiences of PWDs in host communities. Mr. Unumeri, in his presentation titled “Ending Barriers Against Niger-Deltans with Disabilities,” highlighted systemic exclusions ranging from inaccessible information and physical infrastructure to deliberate marginalization in decision-making platforms. These barriers, he noted, have compounded economic hardship, hindered job opportunities, and widened income inequality for PWDs in the oil-rich region.
Legal luminary Mr. Akpan Saviour, Esq., followed with a comprehensive breakdown of Chapter Three of the PIA, which focuses on benefit structures for host communities. He deconstructed the legal language of the Act and spotlighted the missed opportunities for disability inclusion in its current application. His concluding session, “Leaving No One Behind – Integrating Disability Inclusion into PIA Benefit Structures,” underscored the moral and legal imperative for inclusive implementation. “We must challenge all stakeholders—government, oil companies, and communities—to uphold justice by ensuring PWDs are not only beneficiaries but also contributors,” Akpan insisted.
Co-Creating the Demand Charter: An Exercise in Participatory Governance
The second day of the workshop was centered on the participatory co-creation of the Akwa Ibom Demand Charter—a strategic document encapsulating the priorities of PWDs for inclusion in the PIA implementation. The session began with an overview of the PIA, again facilitated by Mr. Akpan, who unpacked its five chapters, 319 sections, and eight schedules. He highlighted key provisions on transparency, community development, and licensing—reaffirming the law’s potential to reshape the oil and gas sector if inclusively implemented.
Barrister Diamond, representing the Chairman of IBENO HCDT, gave a goodwill address and provided insight into the formation of HCDTs, emphasizing the importance of community needs assessments and local participation. “We must ensure that our Trusts are not only functional but inclusive,” he urged.
Mr. Anyaele returned to the podium to deliver a rousing presentation on “Introduction to Disability and Disability Rights.” He chronicled the journey towards the passage of Nigeria’s Disability Act and challenged participants to master the law in order to better advocate for their rights. “The Disability Act and the PIA are not mutually exclusive. Together, they offer a platform for inclusion—if we are bold enough to seize it,” he said.
Validation and Commitment: Charting a Way Forward
The final day saw participants validate the demand charter after rigorous group work and review sessions. Stakeholders shared thoughtful contributions, which were collated into a single consolidated document. The validated Akwa Ibom Demand Charter for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the PIA Benefit-Sharing Structures is expected to serve as an advocacy tool for engaging state actors, oil companies, and HCDTs.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Unumeri commended the participants for their commitment and passion. “This charter is more than a document—it is a declaration of our collective resolve to ensure that disability rights are protected and promoted in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,” he affirmed.
A Historic Milestone in the Disability Movement
With the support of the Ford Foundation, CCD has once again demonstrated its leadership in the disability rights movement. The successful co-creation of the Akwa Ibom Demand Charter is a milestone in the quest for equity, justice, and full inclusion for Persons with Disabilities in the Niger Delta.
As the oil and gas sector braces for a more transparent and accountable future under the PIA, one message rang loud and clear from Akwa Ibom: true progress is impossible without inclusion. The voices of persons with disabilities must not only be heard—they must shape the future.
#DisabilityInclusion #PIA2021 #NigerDeltaVoices #CCD #FordFoundation #PWDsMatter
