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), marking what she described as a major national milestone in advancing gender equality, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, the Minister said the programme had evolved into Nigeria’s most significant women’s economic empowerment platform, transforming how social protection and livelihood initiatives are delivered.
According to a statement signed by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jonathan Eze, Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained that the scale-up phase will extend the initiative to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, integrating lessons from the first phase implemented between 2018 and 2024.
She noted that the expanded project integrates financial inclusion, livelihood support, and social protection under one national framework—transforming Women Affinity Groups into permanent economic institutions linked 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.
The Minister 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 on gender equality and peace. She acknowledged that although the project began about 18 months behind schedule, it is already operational in 18 states and was rated satisfactory by the World Bank during its recent 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 said.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Mariam Ismaila Keshinro, described the inauguration as another milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to advancing women’s economic inclusion. She highlighted that the first phase of the project empowered thousands of women through access to finance, skills development, and the formation of Women Affinity Groups that have become platforms for entrepreneurship and community development.
“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,” Dr. Keshinro added.
The National Coordinator of the Nigeria for Women Project, Dr. Hadiza Maina, presented a progress report and commended the Federal Government, the World Bank, and partners for their sustained support. She said the scale-up aims to reach about four million women nationwide, building on the achievements of the first phase.
Representing the World Bank Country Director, Mr. Michael Ilesanmi praised the Federal Government for its dedication to sustaining the initiative. He noted that the programme has already improved women’s savings culture, entrepreneurship, and livelihoods, assuring that the Bank will continue to support its expansion and sustainability.
Also speaking, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, described the project as a vital driver of inclusive economic growth and human capital development. He pledged the Ministry’s continued oversight to ensure transparency, efficiency, and alignment with 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,” Edun stated.
Similarly, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, said the initiative aligns with the National Development Plan (2021–2025) and Nigeria’s broader agenda for sustainable growth, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
The inauguration 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 will provide strategic guidance, approve workplans and budgets, monitor progress, and ensure synergy among implementing agencies.
Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim, while presenting the committee’s eight-month action plan, reiterated that women’s economic empowerment is not charity but a crucial instrument for nation-building, peace, and climate resilience.
ADEOLA KUNLE
