Modupe Aderogba, Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has inaugurated the Federal Steering Committee of the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project (NFWP-SU) at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja — describing the event as a national milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of gender equality, inclusive growth and sustainable development.
In a statement issued by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jonathan Eze, over the weekend, the Minister said the Nigeria for Women Programme had become the country’s foremost women’s economic empowerment platform, revolutionising the delivery of social protection and livelihood interventions.
She explained that the scale-up phase marks the expansion of the initiative to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, integrating lessons learnt from the first phase which ran between 2018 and 2024.
According to her, the expanded project consolidates financial inclusion, livelihood support, and social protection under one national framework, transforming Women Affinity Groups into permanent economic institutions with stronger linkages to formal finance, markets, and public services.
“We are replacing fragmented interventions with a systemic model that positions women as the drivers of Nigeria’s inclusive growth, resilience, and long-term stability,” she said.
Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim added that the NFWP-SU aligns with the Nigeria Women Economic Empowerment Policy, the World Bank’s Global Crises Response Framework, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on gender equality and peace.
She acknowledged that although the project is about 18 months behind schedule, it has successfully taken off in 18 states and was rated satisfactory in the recent World Bank Implementation Support Mission.
“The success of this scale-up depends on every one of us here. When we empower a woman, we empower a household, and when we empower millions of women, we recalibrate an entire economy,” she added.
Promoting women’s economic inclusion
In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mariam Ismaila Keshinro, described the inauguration as another milestone in the nation’s drive to promote women’s economic inclusion and empowerment.
She noted that the Nigeria for Women Programme, conceived as a flagship initiative of the Nigerian government with World Bank support, had successfully tackled barriers limiting women’s productivity, income, and participation in socio-economic activities.
Read Also: FCT Minister Calls for Increased Investment in Abuja
Dr. Keshinro highlighted that between 2018 and 2024, the parent project empowered thousands of women through access to financial services, capacity building, and the creation of Women Affinity Groups, which have become vital platforms for solidarity, entrepreneurship, and community development.
She added that the scale-up would extend these benefits to millions more nationwide.
“This committee carries both a technical and moral responsibility because the hopes of millions of Nigerian women are tied to the work we embark on together,” she said.
The National Coordinator of the Nigeria for Women Project, Dr. Hadiza Maina, gave an overview of progress so far and commended the Federal Government, the World Bank, and all development partners for their continued support.
She said the scale-up builds on the success of the parent project by expanding its reach and deepening its impact, targeting about four million women across Nigeria.
Representing the World Bank Country Director, Mr. Michael Ilesanmi praised the Nigerian government for sustaining the initiative and ensuring women’s inclusion in national development.
He noted that the programme has yielded measurable results in savings culture, entrepreneurship, and improved livelihoods among women in participating states.
He assured that the World Bank would continue to support the project and work closely with the government to ensure its sustainability.
Key driver of human capital development
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, described the project as a key driver of inclusive growth and human capital development.
He pledged that the Ministry of Finance would continue to provide technical oversight to ensure transparency, efficiency, and alignment with national fiscal priorities.
“Empowering women economically translates directly into improved productivity, better family welfare, and overall national development. The Nigeria for Women Programme is a sound investment in our future,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, said the programme aligns with the National Development Plan (2021–2025) and Nigeria’s broader sustainable growth agenda.
He added that initiatives such as the Nigeria for Women Programme reflect government’s commitment to ensuring that no segment of society is left behind in the nation’s development efforts.
The event was attended by representatives from key ministries and agencies, including Agriculture and Food Security, Health, Water Resources and Sanitation, Communications and Digital Economy, Trade and Investment, SMEDAN, NAFDAC, and EFInA, among others.
The newly inaugurated Federal Steering Committee is tasked with providing strategic direction, approving workplans and budgets, monitoring implementation progress, and ensuring synergy among relevant agencies.
Formally inaugurating the committee and presenting its eight-month action plan, Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged members to remain steadfast in the mission to transform women’s potential into national prosperity.
She reaffirmed that women’s economic empowerment is not merely an act of charity but a fundamental pillar of nation-building, peace-building, and climate resilience.