The Federal Government has taken another significant step toward advancing disability inclusion and economic empowerment as the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, pledged the Ministry’s full backing for the proposed National Farm Cities for Persons with Disabilities.
The initiative, championed by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in partnership with the Peace for Humanity Foundation, is designed to create disability-inclusive agro-industrial communities where Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) can live, learn, work, and build sustainable livelihoods.
The Minister gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, who led the Commission’s management team and representatives of the Peace for Humanity Foundation to brief the Ministry on the project’s progress and seek federal support for its nationwide rollout.
A Renewed Hope for Persons with Disabilities
Describing the Farm Cities Project as “timely and transformative,” Dr. Doro said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Ministry’s commitment to poverty reduction, job creation, and social inclusion.
He commended the vision behind the project, noting that it offers a practical pathway to improving the quality of life for millions of Nigerians living with disabilities.
According to the Minister, the Ministry will carefully review the project’s progress reports and technical documents to identify areas where it can accelerate implementation through policy support and strategic collaboration.
More importantly, he disclosed that the Ministry plans to prepare a comprehensive policy document within the next month for presentation to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to facilitate government approval and unlock funding for implementation.
“I will not let this project die under my watch,” the Minister declared, assuring stakeholders that every administrative gap and procedural challenge would be addressed while the project remains in its developmental stage.
He also noted that the initiative had already received a major boost following its adoption by the Council on Humanitarian Affairs during its meeting in Calabar earlier this year.
A Vision Beyond Welfare
Speaking earlier, Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, explained that the proposed Farm Cities are not merely housing settlements but integrated communities designed to promote independence, productivity, and dignity for Persons with Disabilities.
The model combines accessible housing, vocational training centres, commercial agriculture, agro-processing facilities, healthcare services, and enterprise development opportunities under one inclusive ecosystem.
According to him, the ultimate goal is to move Persons with Disabilities away from dependence and street begging by equipping them with practical skills, employment opportunities, and sustainable sources of income.
With more than 35 million Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria, many of whom continue to face unemployment, discrimination, and extreme poverty, Hon. Gufwan said the project directly supports the Ministry’s mandate to reduce poverty while expanding economic opportunities.
He therefore appealed to the Minister to champion the project by presenting it before the Federal Executive Council, mobilising inter-ministerial collaboration, and supporting the official national launch.
Pilot Project Takes Shape
Adding further insight, President of the Peace for Humanity Foundation, Dr. Thompson Udoh, disclosed that the project has already secured the endorsement of the Council on Humanitarian Affairs.
He also announced that the Nasarawa State Government has committed to hosting the pilot Farm City for the North Central geopolitical zone, while a Local Organising Committee has been inaugurated to coordinate implementation across the country.
According to him, the next milestones include the inauguration of a National Steering Committee and the formal launch of the Renewed Hope Farm Cities Project for Persons with Disabilities.
Transforming Disability Inclusion Through Sustainable Development
If successfully implemented, the Farm Cities Project could become one of Nigeria’s most ambitious disability-inclusive development initiatives.
Beyond creating thousands of jobs for Persons with Disabilities and their caregivers, the project is expected to strengthen food security, stimulate rural economic growth, reduce poverty, and provide a replicable national model for inclusive and sustainable development.
As government institutions and development partners continue to rally behind the initiative, the Farm Cities Project offers renewed hope that disability inclusion in Nigeria can move beyond policy discussions to practical, life-changing opportunities that empower millions to live with dignity, independence, and purpose.
