— Minister Imaan Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Growth, Women’s Empowerment, and Digital Equity
Nigeria has reaffirmed its strong commitment to inclusive social development and people-centered governance at the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD) in Doha, Qatar.
Delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s statement, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the country is implementing transformative policies to expand opportunities, reduce poverty, and strengthen national cohesion.
According to a statement by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Jonathan Eze, the Minister noted that Nigeria’s vision for social development is guided by the Nigeria Agenda 2050 and rooted in the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes poverty eradication, human capital development, and inclusive growth.
She highlighted the establishment of Regional Development Ministries and Agencies across all six geopolitical zones and the creation of Ward Development Initiatives to ensure no community is left behind.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim announced that the National Social Investment Programmes have been institutionalized through a dedicated agency, reaching millions through conditional cash transfers, youth employment schemes, school feeding programmes, and enterprise support — all anchored on the National Social Register to promote shared prosperity.
She also unveiled Nigeria’s enhanced National Digital Identity Portal, aimed at promoting governance efficiency, transparency, and social inclusion by ensuring easy access to public services, travel, and targeted social protection.
Emphasizing youth empowerment as a key pillar, the Minister cited the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) and the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) as tools driving innovation and opportunities for young Nigerians, especially women. She also underscored increased investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and STEM education.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim further revealed that the government is adopting a lifespan approach to social development, which includes introducing Universal Child Grants, establishing a National Council for Social Work, and implementing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 through the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
Under the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention 774 (RH-SII774), Nigeria aims to empower over 10 million women in five years, strengthen family systems, and institutionalize care structures through comprehensive social workforce reforms.
She added that the government is scaling up investments in primary healthcare, maternal and child health, early education, and clean energy access while addressing climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.
“In Nigeria, inclusive social development is not an aspiration but an obligation,” the Minister stated. “It requires shared responsibility, political will, and strengthened multilateral cooperation.”
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the Doha Political Declaration and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, she called for stronger global solidarity to ensure that every woman, child, and family can live in dignity.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim concluded by urging nations to recognize social protection as a universal right and to measure progress not only by economic growth but also by human resilience, gender equality, and collective well-being.
ADEOLA KUNLE
