- Young persons with disabilities (PWDs) urged Nigeria to integrate them into the Energy Transition Plan, citing untapped potential in green jobs.
- Stakeholders at the GreenAbility Workshop in Ibadan highlighted barriers such as inaccessible training, weak policies, and poor funding.
Young Nigerians with disabilities called on the government and private sector to include them in the country’s climate transition, saying exclusion from the Energy Transition Plan would undermine national prosperity.
The demand came during the GreenAbility Workshop in Ibadan, which gathered over 100 young PWDs, educators, policymakers and sustainability experts as part of Africa Climate Alliance’s Climate Week activities.
“The GreenAbility Project aims to equip young persons with disabilities to build climate resilience through leadership, education, green skills, and community building,” said Hannah Omokhaye, founder of EcoSmart Club and convener of the project. “Many underestimate the potential of PWDs, but they are central to achieving an inclusive and just transition.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria has an estimated 35.1 million PWDs. Precious Oparanozie, Partnership Manager at Green Growth Africa, warned that excluding them from green jobs would weaken economic growth. “When we exclude PWDs from participating in the green economy, we are failing our nation’s potential for sustainable development and prosperity,” she said.
Speakers identified key barriers preventing young PWDs from joining the green sector, including inaccessible information, non-inclusive training centres, poor funding, limited mentorship and weak policy frameworks. “Young PWDs are solution providers, and green businesses and CSOs should train, mentor and hire them,” said Audu Amina, founder of Rebuilding Hope on Wheels Initiative.
A panel session on “Inclusive Pathways into the Green Economy” featured renewable energy leaders, recycling entrepreneurs and disability rights advocates, who showcased opportunities in solar energy, waste management, sustainable agriculture and creative upcycling.
The event included sign language interpretation and wheelchair-friendly facilities, ensuring accessibility. Participants also engaged in expo-style sessions with recyclers, solar technicians and green farmers.
“For many participants, this was their first introduction to green jobs,” said project lead Anuoluwapo Ogunrinu, a young person with a disability. “This workshop gave us hope and inspiration that we, too, can contribute to Nigeria’s green economy.”
Participants pledged to continue their engagement through the new GreenAbility Community, a network designed to support PWDs in climate action, advocacy and careers.