The Ogoni Association of Persons Living with Disabilities (OGAPWD) has called on President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government, the Ogoni Dialogue and Consultation (ODC) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to address the exclusion of persons with disabilities from discussions on oil resumption in Ogoniland.

The association also demanded fair access to 40 employment opportunities reportedly created by NNPC in connection with Ogoni engagement, insisting that qualified persons with disabilities must not be discriminated against.

In a statement signed by its President-General and Founder, Baridapdoo Joy Ngo, on October 20, 2026, the group said dialogue on Ogoniland’s future would be incomplete without meaningful representation of persons with disabilities.

While welcoming President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to initiate dialogue on oil production resumption, OGAPWD said it supports development but opposes decisions made without the participation of affected communities.

The association called on the ODC to immediately include its nominated representatives in the dialogue structure and relevant committees, stressing that their participation must go beyond ceremonial invitations.

It also urged NNPC to clarify how persons with disabilities were considered in the recruitment of 40 workers, demanding the implementation of the applicable five per cent employment requirement under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.

OGAPWD requested a formal response from NNPC within 15 days of its statement and called for a meeting to discuss disability-inclusive recruitment and measures to address any identified gaps.

The group further urged the Federal Government to support the constitutional process for creation of Bori State, describing it as central to its demand for greater Ogoni self-determination and local control over the area’s political and economic future. (The Guardian)