Persons With Disabilities in Bayelsa State have demanded inclusion in benefits accruing to oil-host communities under the Petroleum Industry Act. The PWDs made the demand during a visit to King Wapaebiama Amakiri, of Obhal-Emeyal Clan, in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state. The coordinator of the group, Mr Philip Godfrey, noted that PWDs had been excluded from the benefits of the Host Community Development Trust Fund.
According to Godfrey, there had been no Act obligating their inclusion in the benefits accruing to host communities. He commended the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities and Ford Foundation for making the advocacy movement possible. Godfrey said PWDs had consistently been excluded, discriminated against and disconnected from community benefits, despite the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act.
Godfrey observed that pollution did not discriminate against anyone and affected PWDs more than able-bodied persons. He said PWDs had been excluded for too long and it was not supposed to be so. The Disability Law had created opportunities for PWDs to make their voices heard, Godfrey said, adding that PWDs should benefit from oil exploration because some of them came from oil-producing communities and suffered the effects of pollution.
King Wapaebiama Amakiri responded by saying the world had come to recognise that disability did not mean incapacitation. He noted that PWDs were disabled but capable, and that the setbacks associated with disability should no longer be used as a disadvantage against persons living with disabilities. Amakiri said gone were the days when PWDs were regarded as beggars on the streets, but now they could contribute meaningfully to societal development.
Amakiri said that if given the opportunity, PWDs could contribute meaningfully to the development of society. On the PIA issue, he said he would discuss it with fellow traditional rulers in charge of oil-producing communities in the clan. They would deliberate on the issue at their meeting, noting that oil pollution affected both able-bodied persons and PWDs.
The Petroleum Industry Act was designed to provide a framework for the development of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. The Act established the Host Community Development Trust Fund to provide benefits to host communities. However, PWDs have been excluded from these benefits, sparking concerns about their welfare and inclusion.
The demand for inclusion by PWDs is a significant development in the implementation of the PIA. It highlights the need for greater inclusivity and equity in the distribution of benefits from oil exploration. The outcome of the meeting between Amakiri and fellow traditional rulers will be crucial in determining the fate of PWDs in oil-host communities.
Key points
- PWDs in Bayelsa State demand inclusion in benefits accruing to oil-host communities under the Petroleum Industry Act.
- The PWDs have been excluded from the benefits of the Host Community Development Trust Fund despite the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act.
- The traditional ruler, King Wapaebiama Amakiri, has promised to discuss the issue with fellow traditional rulers in charge of oil-producing communities in the clan.
