Minister Targets FEC Approval For Disability Farm Cities

The federal government has begun moves to secure Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for the proposed National Farm Cities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), with the minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, pledging to present a policy document to the council within one month.

The move is expected to pave the way for the implementation of the project, which seeks to establish disability-inclusive agro-industrial communities across the 36 states and the FCT.

Speaking during a meeting with the executive secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Ayuba Gufwan, and officials of the Peace for Humanity Foundation, Doro described the initiative as a major intervention in poverty reduction and economic empowerment.

He said the ministry would review the project’s implementation plan and address identified gaps before taking it to the Federal Executive Council for approval.

“I will study the progress report and project documents submitted to identify specific areas where the Ministry can intervene to expedite progress,” the minister said.

He added that the ministry would engage further with the commission and its partners to resolve outstanding issues and position itself as a key driver of the initiative.

“Once the necessary adjustments are made, the Ministry will within the next one month develop a clear policy document for presentation to the Federal Executive Council to fast-track approval and mobilisation of funds,” he said.

Doro assured stakeholders of his commitment to the project, saying, “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.”

According to a statement on Saturday by Ishaku Kigbu, head of media and publicity at NCPWD, the minister further noted that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the ministry’s mandate of reducing poverty and promoting social inclusion.

He also recalled that the initiative had already been adopted by the Council on Humanitarian Affairs in January 2026.

Earlier, Gufwan said the commission was seeking the ministry’s backing to facilitate the nationwide rollout of the Farm Cities Project.

He explained that the initiative would establish integrated communities where Persons with Disabilities could access accessible housing, vocational training, agro-processing facilities, healthcare services and enterprise opportunities.

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

He noted that with more than 35 million Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria, the project would help create jobs, reduce poverty and improve livelihoods, particularly for women, children and caregivers.

Also, president of the Peace for Humanity Foundation, Thompson Udoh, said the Nasarawa State Government had already committed to hosting the pilot Farm City for the North-Central zone.

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