By Abbas Nazil
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Akwa Ibom State Directorate, has called for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in climate change policies and disaster preparedness, warning that the group faces heightened risks during floods and other climate-related emergencies.
The agency said people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to death, displacement, destruction of property and loss of livelihoods during natural disasters, stressing the need for their participation in climate action and policy decisions.
The state director of the NOA, Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, made the call during a forum organised in partnership with the Centre for Citizens with Disability in Uyo at the weekend.
The programme, held under the theme, “PLWDs as an Agent of Inclusive Climate Action,” was designed to promote the participation of persons living with disabilities in climate change discussions, planning and policy formulation.
Mkpoutom said people with disabilities should no longer remain at the margins of climate-related conversations, noting that their experiences and needs must be reflected in strategies designed to address environmental hazards and climate-induced disasters.
He explained that people with disabilities are often among those most affected by floods, erosion and heat waves, yet they are frequently excluded from the planning and implementation of measures aimed at reducing the impacts of such disasters.
According to him, mobility challenges, inadequate accessibility and other systemic barriers can significantly increase the vulnerability of people with disabilities during emergencies.
He said the partnership between the NOA and the Centre for Citizens with Disability was aimed at addressing these gaps and creating greater awareness of the need for disability-inclusive climate policies in the state.
Mkpoutom added that the initiative would soon be extended to local government areas across Akwa Ibom State that are considered vulnerable to environmental hazards.
He said the planned statewide sensitisation tour would focus on increasing awareness among people with disabilities and other community stakeholders about climate-related risks and the importance of inclusive disaster preparedness.
The NOA director urged traditional rulers, religious leaders and community-based organisations to support the initiative by creating an enabling environment where people with disabilities could participate fully in climate action.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring that climate policies and emergency response mechanisms address the specific challenges faced by people with different forms of disabilities.
The call comes amid growing concerns over the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations, particularly communities exposed to flooding, erosion, extreme heat and other environmental hazards.
People with disabilities can face additional difficulties during emergencies because of restricted mobility, inaccessible evacuation routes, inadequate communication systems and limited access to essential services.
The NOA therefore emphasised that climate action should move beyond general interventions and incorporate measures that specifically address the needs of persons with disabilities.
The agency’s position also highlights the importance of involving people with disabilities in the development of climate policies rather than treating them solely as beneficiaries of emergency assistance.
Through the planned sensitisation programme, the NOA and its partner organisation are expected to engage communities across the state and encourage greater participation of people with disabilities in discussions surrounding climate resilience and environmental protection.
The agency further called on stakeholders at the community and institutional levels to recognise people with disabilities as active participants and potential agents of climate action.
The initiative, according to the NOA, is intended to strengthen collaboration among government agencies, disability organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders in building a more inclusive response to the growing threats posed by climate change.
The agency maintained that ensuring the participation of people with disabilities in climate planning would help create policies and disaster-response strategies that are more responsive, equitable and effective.
