Development partners within the Women, Children and Social Development space have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening systems that protect women, children and vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 25th Regular National Council on Women Affairs and Child Development (NCWACD) in Benin City Edo State, the UN Women led calls for deeper investment, coordination and policy action.
The meeting was presided over by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim,
In a goodwill message, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Beatrice Eyong, said “the Council remained a strategic point for planning, decision-making and amplifying the commitments of Nigeria to women, girls and the vulnerable population.”
Represented by Patience Ekeoba, she stressed that reflections from the meeting showed that “we need to collaborate and invest more resources into the work for women and girls.”
Recalling the UN Secretary-General’s global appeal for 15% of every budget to be directed toward women, girls and gender equality, Eyong said; “If every institution follows this recommendation, we will have better outcomes for women and girls.”
She reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to supporting Nigeria across governance participation, economic empowerment, peace and security, humanitarian action and ending all forms of violence against women and girls.
“We need to put our weight behind the Special Seat Bill… let us use the coming election to change the number of women in leadership in Nigeria,” she added
Similarly, UNICEF Deputy Country Representative, Dr Rownak Khan commended the Ministry for answering last year’s call to place children firmly at the centre of national deliberations.
She praised the proposed Child Protection and Development Agency Bill as “a bold and long-overdue reform” that would structure and professionalise child protection services nationwide.
“Every child in need should have a social worker or auxiliary service provider nearby,” she added.
Representing WaterAid Nigeria, Dr Theodora Igboaruka delivered the message of Country Director Evelyn Mere, describing the theme as “absolutely apt.”
She highlighted gaps in maternal health, child mortality and WASH access, stating that the statistics represent mothers, daughters and communities held back by systems that are not yet working optimally.”
She urged gender-responsive budgeting, strengthened coordination and WASH investments in healthcare and SARC centres.
Meanwhile, IOM represented by Arshad Rashid Khan reiterated the organisation’s commitment to partnering with the government in protecting migrants, returnees, women and children, saying, “When women are empowered, migration becomes safer, families grow stronger, and communities become more resilient.”
Also, Dr Osasuyi Dirisu of the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) reaffirmed its partnership with the Ministry stating that it had worked closely with states including Lagos on the Women Economic Empowerment Policy Roadmap and will continue to support small women-led businesses, farmers, traders and SMEs.”
“Our goal is to ensure that issues of gender and social inclusion remain top-of-mind in national dialogue,” she stated.
Development partners individually pledged continued synergy and support to turn the Renewed Hope Social Agenda into measurable gains for women, children and vulnerable groups across Nigeria.
The 25th National Council on Women’s Affairs and Child Development was convened under the theme “Strengthening Systems and Deepening Social Impact: Advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda for Women, Children, Families, and Other Vulnerable Groups.”
The event was attended by delegates from all states of the federation, including their respective Commissioners, as well as development partners and sectoral stakeholders.