The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has commenced the 26th National Council on Women Affairs, Child Advancement and Social Development in Jalingo, Taraba State.
The council is focusing on strengthening families, expanding the care economy and promoting inclusive social protection as key pillars of Nigeria’s renewed social protection architecture.
The Pre-Summit Technical Session, presided over by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Nko Asanye Esuabana, featured presentations by national and sub-national delegates ahead of the Ministerial Policy Session scheduled for Wednesday, August 12.
The Ministerial Session will be chaired by the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
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Presenting an overview of the 26th Council, the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Hajia Amina Widi Jalo, said the Ministry had received 126 memoranda from its departments, the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Jalo also presented a review of the 25th National Council on Women and Child Development held in November 2025 in Benin City, Edo State.
She said the 25th Council received 145 memoranda, of which 115 were considered, comprising 27 Federal and 88 State memoranda.
The Council had identified persistent gaps in data management, funding and monitoring of social development programmes, despite progress recorded in gender mainstreaming and women’s empowerment.
It also observed that most states continued implementing gender-responsive and child-protection initiatives despite fiscal constraints, while Federal-State collaboration and partnerships with development organisations were increasing.
The Council called for accelerated domestication and implementation of critical national, regional and international instruments, including the National Gender Policy, Child Rights Act, 2003, National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy, Social Welfare Policy, UNSCR 1325, CEDAW, the Maputo Protocol and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
Emerging issues highlighted included “Accidental Pregnancy incidences and need for Health-care Education for Under-aged Mothers,” increasing cases of underage ambulation, and the need for early education on geriatric care.
The 25th Council recommended stronger institutional frameworks, increased budgetary allocations, robust data systems and improved coordination among Federal and State Ministries, relevant MDAs and development partners.
It further urged states to prioritise capacity building, entrepreneurship support and digital inclusion for women and youth.
Review Policies
The National Council on Women Affairs and Child Development, as the highest policy advisory body on women, children, families and vulnerable groups, provides a platform for stakeholders to review policies, assess implementation and adopt resolutions to advance social inclusion and sustainable development.
The 26th Council is expected to build on these resolutions and strengthen Nigeria’s social protection architecture for more measurable and inclusive outcomes.
