Rivers State – The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has concluded a three-day capacity-building workshop on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, aimed at promoting the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Act’s benefits structure. The workshop, held from July 2nd to 4th, 2025, in Rivers State, also produced a Demand Charter highlighting the needs and expectations of PWDs under the PIA framework.
The workshop attracted diverse stakeholders, including traditional rulers, civil society organisations, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), cluster heads, and members of the media.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were His Royal Highness Eze Dr. A.N. Osoh, JP, Eze Ali Usomini II and Clan Head of Ogba land, Obrikom Community; and High Chief Collins Ndegwe, a traditional leader from Nonwa. Their presence underscored the growing recognition of the role traditional institutions play in advancing inclusion at the community level.
Delivering his welcome address, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, Acting Director of CCD, thanked participants and paid special tribute to HRH Eze Dr. Osoh for being the first to arrive at the venue—a gesture he described as a powerful encouragement to both CCD and the disability community.
Mr. Unumeri highlighted the importance of working with stakeholders to ensure that PWDs are not excluded from the development opportunities the PIA promises, especially through the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs).
“Change is the only constant,” Unumeri remarked. “Discrimination was once widespread, but today, thanks to education and the growing awareness among traditional rulers, we are seeing significant shifts in attitudes toward persons with disabilities.”
He went on to explain that disability can affect anyone, at any stage of life—whether from birth, through accidents, war, aging, or health conditions. “As we grow older, many of us may experience physical or sensory impairments. This is why it’s essential to make our communities inclusive now—for the benefit of current and future generations.”
The workshop concluded with the development of a Demand Charter—a key advocacy tool that outlines the priorities of PWDs for inclusion in the implementation of the PIA. CCD plans to present the charter to the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the body charged with enforcing the PIA and authorised to introduce regulations to fill existing gaps.
CCD reaffirmed its commitment to championing disability-inclusive development and called on all stakeholders, particularly those managing HCDTs, to ensure that no one is left behind.
Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You. Click Here