CCD Urges Full Integration of PWDs in Akwa Ibom's Petroleum Development Strategies

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities has called for the inclusion of People with Disabilities (PWDs) in the development plans of the local communities as well as in the execution of the provisions outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act.

The Founding Executive Director of the Center, Mr David Anyaele, stated that CCD has identified crucial disability-related concerns in Akwa Ibom State. They aim to develop a type of demand charter to involve various stakeholders who stand to gain from oil extraction activities within the region.

Anyaele mentioned that the organization enhanced the understanding among leaders within the disabled community across various disability groups about laws concerning their rights and duties as residents of Akwa Ibom State.

We have successfully garnered support from all key parties involved in Akwa Ibom concerning People with Disabilities, the Petroleum Industry Act, Host Community Development, and Trust Groups regarding the necessity of incorporating PWDs into the execution of pertinent parts of the Petroleum Industry Act.

Today, we successfully compiled crucial disability-related concerns in Akwa Ibom State to develop a demand charter. This document will enable them to interact with various parties involved and secure their fair share of benefits derived from petroleum activities in the state.

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"We have additionally enhanced the understanding within the disability community and among leaders of various disability groups about the provisions of the law concerning their rights and duties as residents of Akwa Ibom State," he stated.

He mentioned that participants would transfer the knowledge they gained back to their communities by involving various stakeholders ranging from their families to community members at both state and national levels.

Anyaele praised Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State for improving the quality of life for Persons with Disabilities within the region.

Specifically, we have three individuals with disabilities collaborating closely with the governor. This indicates that the state is acknowledging the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

Equipped with their newfound expertise, they will assist the government in enhancing the standard of living for individuals with disabilities within the state, ensuring that nobody gets overlooked due to their impairments.

These are just some of the remarkable successes, with countless others we've witnessed. Our investments in these achievements will only grow over time.

Ms. Nene Bassey, who represents the Eket Senate district and serves as the Special Advisor to the Governor for People with Disabilities, praised the program, stating that the workshop has proven to be extremely enlightening and educational.

As she explained, many PWDs who attended posed thoughtful queries based on the information they had gathered thus far.

A significant portion of persons with disabilities lacked knowledge about the Discriminatory Act of Nigeria. Additionally, many were unaware of the provisions within the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021). However, thanks to this program, numerous individuals now understand the implications of both acts concerning disability rights. They have learned how to advocate for inclusion within their respective local communities.

This issue pertains specifically to the host communities and isn’t applicable uniformly across all 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State. Only those from the host communities can claim what inherently belongs to them.

This program is quite beneficial. Building on this point, I wish to appeal to the organizers of the initiative since it seems perfectly suited for our current situation—the ongoing economic downturn in Nigeria. Particularly concerning is how individuals with disabilities fare worse within this context, as many are without jobs.

“I genuinely thank the creator of CCD and all those who organized this specific program for arranging this particular training or workshop for us here in Akwa Ibom State.”

These initiatives have significantly enhanced our capabilities. As we return to our respective local governments, we will be equipped to interact with key stakeholders who hold decision-making power within various host communities.

"I urge them to return within the next six months, before the year ends, so we can collaboratively conduct data collection. This effort will particularly assist us in implementing effective and inclusive initiatives within the host communities," she stated.

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