Minister Backs National Farm Cities Project To Empower Persons

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, has reaffirmed the federal government’s support for the full implementation of the National Farm Cities Project, designed to promote inclusive development and reduce poverty among persons with disabilities.

Doro gave the assurance on Thursday, July 30, 2026, when the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Ayuba Burki, led a delegation from the commission and the Peace for Humanity Foundation on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

The National Farm Cities Project is expected to establish a national model for disability inclusion, economic empowerment and sustainable development, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

While receiving a memorandum of understanding between the NCPWD and the Peace for Humanity Foundation, the minister commended the delegation for the initiative and expressed his readiness to support efforts aimed at improving the livelihoods of persons with disabilities.

Doro, however, stressed the need for the agreement to undergo proper review and assessment to ensure that its implementation is practical, sustainable and aligned with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said effective planning and coordination would be essential to achieving the desired impact of the project.

Earlier, Burki explained that the delegation was at the ministry to formally present the MoU and brief the minister on the proposed project, including its potential benefits for persons with disabilities across the country.

According to him, the National Farm Cities Project is projected to require about ₦70 billion for implementation.

He said the funding could be sourced through government budgetary allocations, development partners, private-sector participation and internally generated revenue of the commission, among other avenues.

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Burki said Nigeria has more than 35 million persons living with disabilities, many of whom, particularly women and children, continue to face significant challenges associated with poverty and unemployment.

He explained that the proposed project would provide opportunities for economic participation, skills development and improved livelihoods while promoting greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in national development.

The project is expected to be implemented across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory.

The initiative is aimed at creating sustainable economic opportunities for persons with disabilities while strengthening the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle poverty, unemployment and social exclusion.

The meeting brought together officials of the NCPWD, representatives of the Peace for Humanity Foundation and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction as stakeholders in the proposed programme.