The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, has thrown his weight behind the proposed ₦70 billion National Farm Cities Project, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting disability inclusion, poverty reduction and sustainable economic empowerment across Nigeria.
The minister gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Ayuba Burki, alongside officials of the Commission and representatives of the Peace for Humanity Foundation during a courtesy visit to his office.
During the meeting, the delegation presented a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NCPWD and the Peace for Humanity Foundation on the proposed National Farm Cities Project.
Dr. Doro welcomed the initiative, describing it as a strategic intervention that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He said the project has the potential to become a national model for disability inclusion and inclusive development, ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in the country’s socio-economic transformation.
The minister explained that the MoU would be carefully studied and reviewed to ensure its successful implementation in line with government priorities and existing development frameworks.
Speaking earlier, Burki said the visit was aimed at formally presenting the MoU and briefing the minister on the objectives and expected impact of the proposed National Farm Cities Project.
He explained that the initiative is designed to create sustainable economic opportunities for persons with disabilities through agriculture, skills development and other livelihood programmes that would improve their standard of living.
According to him, about ₦70 billion has been proposed for the implementation of the project, with funding expected from the Federal Government’s budget, development partners, the private sector and the Commission’s internally generated revenue.
Burki noted that Nigeria is home to more than 35 million persons with disabilities, many of whom especially women and children continue to grapple with unemployment, poverty and social exclusion.
He added that the project is planned for implementation across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory, with the goal of expanding opportunities, promoting self-reliance and strengthening inclusive national development.
The National Farm Cities Project is expected to support the Federal Government’s broader efforts to reduce poverty, create jobs and enhance food security while empowering one of the country’s most vulnerable populations.
