The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, has pledged the Federal Government’s support for the National Farm Cities Project for Persons with Disabilities, an initiative of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in partnership with the Peace for Humanity Foundation.
The Minister gave the assurance on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, who led the Commission’s management team alongside representatives of the Peace for Humanity Foundation to the Ministry.
Describing the initiative as timely and transformative, Dr. Doro said the Farm Cities Project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Ministry’s mandate of reducing poverty while promoting social inclusion.
He praised the initiative as a major step towards empowering persons with disabilities through sustainable livelihoods, noting that it deserves the support of all stakeholders committed to improving the lives of persons with disabilities.
The Minister disclosed that the Ministry would carefully review the project’s progress report and supporting documents to identify areas where it could intervene to accelerate implementation. According to him, further engagements with the NCPWD and the Peace for Humanity Foundation would help address outstanding issues and position the Ministry as a key partner in the project’s success.
Dr. Doro also revealed plans to develop a policy document within the next month for presentation to the Federal Executive Council (FEC), aimed at fast-tracking government approval and funding for the initiative.
“I will not let this project die under my watch. All identified gaps will be addressed, especially as the project is still in its early stages,” the Minister assured.
He further noted that the project’s earlier adoption by the Council on Humanitarian Affairs in Calabar in January 2026 reflects growing national support for its implementation.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, said the visit was to update the Minister on the progress of the initiative and seek the Ministry’s support for the establishment of Farm Cities across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He explained that the Farm Cities Project is designed as a disability-inclusive agro-industrial community where persons with disabilities can live, acquire vocational skills, access healthcare, engage in agriculture and agro-processing, and build sustainable enterprises in an accessible environment.
According to him, the initiative seeks to move persons with disabilities away from poverty and dependence by providing them with opportunities for economic empowerment and self-reliance.
Hon. Gufwan noted that with over 35 million persons with disabilities in Nigeria, many of whom face unemployment and economic hardship, the project directly complements the Ministry’s efforts to create jobs and improve livelihoods.
He appealed to the Minister to champion the project by presenting a memorandum to the Federal Executive Council for national approval and budgetary support, facilitating collaboration with relevant ministries, and supporting the formal launch of the initiative.
Also speaking, President of the Peace for Humanity Foundation, Dr. Thompson Udoh, disclosed that the project has already received endorsement from the Council on Humanitarian Affairs, while the Nasarawa State Government has committed to hosting the pilot Farm City for the North Central geopolitical zone.
He added that a Local Organising Committee has been inaugurated to coordinate nationwide implementation, while plans are underway to establish a National Steering Committee ahead of the official launch of the Renewed Hope Farm Cities Project for Persons with Disabilities.
When fully implemented, the Farm Cities Project is expected to create thousands of jobs for persons with disabilities and their caregivers, strengthen food security, reduce poverty, and provide a sustainable national model for disability-inclusive development.
Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.