FG Moves To Fast-track Farm Cities Initiative For Persons With Disabilities

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, has endorsed the National Farm Cities for Persons with Disabilities initiative, pledging to facilitate its consideration by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and mobilise government support for its implementation.

The project, being promoted by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in partnership with the Peace for Humanity Foundation, is designed to establish disability-inclusive agro-industrial communities across the country.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the executive secretary of NCPWD, Ayuba Gufwan, and officials of the Peace for Humanity Foundation, the minister described the initiative as “timely and transformative,” saying it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the ministry’s poverty reduction mandate.

“This is a laudable project. It is an initiative that everyone interested in uplifting Persons with Disabilities in this country should support and work towards its success,” Doro said.

He said the ministry would review the project’s progress report and identify areas for intervention to accelerate implementation.
In a statement on Saturday by Ishaku Kigbu, head of media and publicity, NCPWD, Doro further said that the ministry would l, within one month, develop a policy document for presentation to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to fast-track approval and funding for the initiative.

“I will not let this project die under my watch. All processes, procedures and lapses identified will be addressed, especially since the project is still at an early stage,” he assured.

The minister also noted that the project’s adoption by the Council on Humanitarian Affairs in January 2026 reflected broad national support for its implementation.

Earlier, Gufwan had expressed the commission’s desire for the ministry’s endorsement for the rollout of Farm Cities in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He explained that the Farm Cities would provide accessible housing, vocational training, agro-processing facilities, healthcare services and enterprise opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), enabling them to live and work independently.

“The goal is to take Persons with Disabilities off the streets and equip them with skills and opportunities to become self-reliant,” he said.

Gufwan noted that with more than 35 million Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria, many of whom face unemployment and poverty, the initiative would support job creation, economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.

He urged the minister to champion the project’s presentation to the Federal Executive Council, facilitate inter-ministerial collaboration and support its formal national launch.

On his part, the president of the Peace for Humanity Foundation, Thompson Udoh, said the project had already secured the endorsement of the Council on Humanitarian Affairs and the commitment of the Nasarawa State Government to host the pilot Farm City for the North Central zone.

He disclosed that a Local Organising Committee had been inaugurated to coordinate the initiative nationwide, while plans were underway to constitute a National Steering Committee and formally launch the Renewed Hope Farm Cities Project for Persons with Disabilities.

The project, he added, is expected to create thousands of jobs for Persons with Disabilities and their caregivers, improve food security and promote disability-inclusive development across the country.