Emma Iyase, the Enogie of Ologbo, has committed to champion the participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the host‑community development framework of the [Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleum_Industry_Act) 2021. The pledge was made during a visit by a delegation from the [Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD)](https://www.ccd.org), an advocacy group supported by the [Ford Foundation](https://www.fordfoundation.org), on 27 October 2024.
Key points of the meeting include:
- The Enogie welcomed the CCD team and highlighted the importance of involving PWDs in community decision‑making.
- He promised to lobby for the inclusion of disabled persons in all benefit structures created under the PIA host‑community provisions.
- A stakeholder gathering to discuss practical steps for meaningful participation has been scheduled for 27 October, with the advocacy group invited to attend.
- Chief Bartholomew Okoudo, coordinator of the delegation, expressed gratitude to the Enogie and introduced representatives from various disability clusters.
What is the Petroleum Industry Act?
The [Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleum_Industry_Act) is a 2021 law that outlines the governance of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, including a framework for host‑community development aimed at ensuring that communities adjacent to oil operations receive social and economic benefits.
How will inclusion be pursued?
Okoudo outlined the roles of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and the CCD in advocating for the rights of PWDs. He called for adequate representation of disabled persons on host‑community development committees, consultation on projects that affect them, and equitable access to empowerment programmes, skills training, and employment opportunities arising from the PIA framework.
The Enogie reiterated his commitment to work with all relevant stakeholders to embed these measures into the implementation plan, stressing that PWDs are vital contributors to community progress.
*The meeting scheduled for 27 October is expected to produce concrete recommendations on how to operationalise the inclusion of persons with disabilities within the host‑community development structures established by the PIA.*