By Chinedum Treasure
The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has called for the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 in Anambra and other Niger Delta states.
Acting Director of CCD, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, made the call in Awka during a two-day workshop organised by the organisation with support from the Ford Foundation.
Speaking at the event themed “Ending Barriers Against Niger Deltans with Disabilities,” Unumeri said PWDs remain excluded from the benefits of the petroleum sector despite provisions in the PIA meant to support host communities.
He noted that Anambra’s oil-producing status offers opportunities for development and employment but warned that vulnerable groups could face further marginalisation without deliberate inclusion policies.
According to him, persons with disabilities are among those most affected by environmental pollution linked to oil exploration activities.
Also speaking, Ms. Blessing Ononogbu of CCD said millions of Nigerians live with disabilities and require improved access to opportunities and support services.
Chairman of JONAPWD in Anambra, Mr. Ugochukwu Okeke, commended CCD for promoting awareness and inclusion for persons with disabilities in development programmes.
Tags: CCD, PWDs, Petroleum Industry Act, PIA 2021, Anambra State, Awka, Niger Delta, Disability Rights, Oil Exploration, JONAPWD, Ford Foundation, Inclusion, Nigeria News, Environmental Pollution
