OGAPWD DEMANDS INCLUSION IN OGONI DIALOGUE, SEEKS 5% SHARE OF 40 NNPC EMPLOYMENT SLOTS
The Ogoni Association of Persons Living with Disabilities (OGAPWD) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, the Ogoni Dialogue and Consultation (ODC), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) to address what it describes as the exclusion and neglect of persons with disabilities in ongoing discussions about Ogoniland’s future.
The association made the call in a press statement dated October 12, 2026, signed by its President General and Founder, Comrade Baridapdoo Joy Ngo, PhD, expressing concern over the alleged inadequate representation of persons with disabilities in the Ogoni dialogue process and employment opportunities connected with the proposed resumption of oil production in the area.
OGAPWD welcomed President Tinubu’s initiative to facilitate dialogue on the potential resumption of oil production in Ogoniland but maintained that any meaningful negotiation must include persons with disabilities.
According to the association, persons with disabilities are equally affected by environmental degradation, unemployment, poverty, and other challenges confronting Ogoni communities and should not be excluded from decisions concerning their homeland.
The association stressed that it does not oppose dialogue, development, or the responsible resumption of oil production, but insists that such processes must uphold justice, transparency, environmental protection, and equal participation.
DEMANDS REPRESENTATION IN ODC
Expressing disappointment over what it described as inadequate accommodation of its members within the ODC framework, OGAPWD called for the immediate inclusion of its nominated representatives in the dialogue structure and relevant committees.
It emphasised that its demand goes beyond ceremonial invitations, insisting that persons with disabilities must have meaningful opportunities to contribute to discussions, review proposals, raise concerns, and influence decisions affecting their lives.
The association also called for accessible meeting venues and appropriate communication support to ensure the effective participation of people with different disabilities.
Citing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, OGAPWD maintained that inclusion and equal participation should be reflected in public decision-making processes.
SEEKS 5% SHARE OF 40 NNPC EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The association also raised concerns over reports that NNPC Limited is providing 40 employment opportunities connected with Ogoni engagement under the Confidence Building Measures (CBM).
OGAPWD questioned whether qualified persons with disabilities had been considered in the recruitment process and called on the company to clarify the criteria used and the measures adopted to ensure fair and non-discriminatory access.
It demanded that at least five per cent of the 40 positions be allocated to qualified persons with disabilities, subject to applicable legal requirements.
The association further requested that NNPC Limited respond publicly to its concerns within 15 days from October 12, 2026, disclose relevant information on disability inclusion to the extent permitted by law, and present a clear plan to address any identified shortcomings.
It also called for a formal meeting with NNPC Limited to discuss practical measures for ensuring that qualified persons with disabilities are not left out of employment opportunities arising from Ogoni-related initiatives.
OGAPWD maintained that it was not seeking employment for unqualified individuals but rather a transparent and accessible recruitment process that provides qualified candidates with disabilities a fair opportunity.
RENEWS CALL FOR BORI STATE
Beyond representation and employment, the association reiterated its support for the creation of Bori State, describing it as a central demand in its quest for greater local control over Ogoniland’s political, environmental, security, and economic future.
It urged President Tinubu and the Federal Government to support the appropriate constitutional process for state creation, including consideration of an Executive Bill where constitutionally and procedurally appropriate.
The association stressed that the Bori State question should not be ignored or indefinitely postponed while discussions on oil resumption continue.
It also called on traditional rulers, political leaders, youth groups, community organisations, and oil industry operators to integrate disability inclusion into employment, skills acquisition, business support, education, contracting, and community development programmes.
WARNS OF PEACEFUL PROTESTS IF DEMANDS ARE IGNORED
While reaffirming its commitment to peace and dialogue, OGAPWD warned that it might mobilise its members for peaceful, lawful protests and other legitimate civic actions if its demands were ignored.
The association appealed to Ogoni leaders and stakeholders not to allow persons with disabilities to become strangers in their homeland, urging them to replace discrimination with equal opportunities and token representation with meaningful participation.
It further called on the ODC leadership, the Federal Government, and NNPC Limited to provide formal responses to its concerns and engage its representatives in consultations aimed at resolving the issues raised.
Concluding its statement, OGAPWD reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice, environmental protection, and the development of Ogoniland, insisting that the success of any dialogue or development initiative must be measured by its ability to include all sections of the community.
The association summarised its position with the declaration: “No exclusion in dialogue. No discrimination in employment. No development without inclusion. Nothing about us without us!”
