The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has concluded a two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening the participation of persons with disabilities in benefit-sharing structures under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 in Edo State.
The workshop, held from May 14 to 15, 2026, at Rolarz Hotels and Resort, brought together persons with disabilities from oil-producing communities across the state. The training focused on advocacy, disability rights, inclusive governance, and the participation of persons with disabilities in Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) established under the PIA.
Speaking during the opening session, Acting Director of CCD, Godwin Unumeri stressed the need for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes within oil-producing communities. He noted that inclusion should be seen as a right and not a privilege, urging participants to use the knowledge gained from the workshop to advocate for equal participation in PIA benefit-sharing structures.
Also speaking, Chairperson of JONAPWD Edo State, Anne Ojugo, commended CCD and its partners for promoting disability inclusion and encouraged participants to become advocates for change in their communities. Senior Program Officer of CCD, Florence Attah, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to advancing disability rights and inclusive development in Nigeria.
The workshop featured sessions on disability inclusion in the Niger Delta environment, overview of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, strategic advocacy planning, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in HCDTs, Boards of Trustees, and advisory committees. Participants also engaged in role plays, discussions, and practical exercises on stakeholder engagement, leadership, and community participation.
Participants identified challenges affecting persons with disabilities in oil-producing communities, including stigmatization, inaccessible infrastructure, environmental pollution, poor access to information, and exclusion from governance structures. They emphasized the need for unity, leadership development, data gathering, and stronger advocacy to ensure disability inclusion in community development processes.
At the end of the training, participants expressed renewed confidence and pledged to step down the knowledge acquired to other members of the disability community while advocating for greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in host community governance and development initiatives under the Petroleum Industry Act.
Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.