The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), in partnership with the Ford Foundation, has convened a landmark workshop in Awka, Anambra State, to dismantle systemic barriers faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs) in governance and development, particularly in oil-producing communities.
Themed “Ending Barriers Against Niger-Deltans with Disabilities (EBAND),” the workshop brought together stakeholders across sectors to address the urgent need for inclusive governance and effective enforcement of disability rights laws.
Executive Director of CCD and Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Disability Matters, David Anyaele, decried Nigeria’s slow pace in disability inclusion.
“Nigeria is 50 years behind in disability inclusion. The world is moving forward, and we must catch up. It begins with knowing your rights,” he stressed.
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He underscored the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 as a critical legal framework, lamenting low awareness and poor enforcement.
He also highlighted the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2022, which provides for host community development, but often sidelines PWDs in decision-making roles.
“The PIA mandates consultations with host communities, but many persons with disabilities remain invisible in these processes. This must change,” he said, urging oil firms and host communities to ensure representation of PWDs in advisory boards and project planning.
Anyaele also called for disability-friendly infrastructure such as accessible roads, markets, and toilets, and pressed the Anambra State Government to fast-track disability legislation in line with best practices.
He reminded participants that discrimination carries penalties of ₦100,000 for individuals and up to ₦1 million or six months’ imprisonment for public officials.
“This law took 18 years to pass. Now, we must enforce it,” he insisted.
Leaders of the disability community in Anambra, including Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke of JONAPWD and Barr. Peter Muoneke, Legal Adviser to the association, commended CCD and the Ford Foundation for their advocacy, while participants described the workshop as empowering and timely.
They called for sustained legal literacy campaigns, political engagement, and stronger accountability measures to ensure no person with disability is excluded from development processes in Nigeria.