The 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), describing the initiative as a major national milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of gender equality, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
The inauguration ceremony which held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, was announced in a statement released by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jonathan Eze, over the weekend.
The Minister noted that the Nigeria for Women Programme has evolved into the country’s most impactful women’s economic empowerment platform, revolutionising the approach to social protection and livelihood interventions.
According to her, the scale-up phase signifies the extension of the programme to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, building upon lessons and achievements from the initial phase implemented between 2018 and 2024.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained that the expanded project integrates financial inclusion, livelihood enhancement, and social protection within a unified national framework.
She said this approach aims to transform Women Affinity Groups into sustainable economic institutions with stronger links to formal financial systems, markets, and public services.
“We are replacing fragmented interventions with a holistic model that positions women as the backbone of Nigeria’s inclusive growth, resilience, and long-term stability,” she stated.
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 (SDGs) focused on gender equality and peace.
She acknowledged that although the project began about 18 months behind schedule, it has now commenced operations in 18 states and was rated “satisfactory” during the most recent World Bank Implementation Support Mission.
“The success of this scale-up depends on every one of us here. When we empower one woman, we empower a household; when we empower millions, we transform the entire economy,” she emphasised.
In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mariam Ismaila Keshinro, described the event as another significant step toward deepening women’s economic inclusion in Nigeria.
She noted that the Nigeria for Women Programme, conceived as a flagship initiative of the Federal Government with World Bank support, has proven highly effective in addressing systemic barriers that limit women’s productivity, income generation, and participation in socio-economic life.
Dr. Keshinro highlighted that from 2018 to 2024, the project provided thousands of women with access to finance, capacity-building opportunities, and the formation of Women Affinity Groups that have become vital hubs for solidarity, entrepreneurship, and community advancement.
She added that the scale-up would extend these life-changing benefits to millions more women nationwide.
“This committee bears both a technical and moral duty because the aspirations of millions of Nigerian women rest on the work we are about to undertake,” she said.
The National Coordinator of the Nigeria for Women Project, Dr. Hadiza Maina, presented a progress report on the project’s achievements and commended the Federal Government, the World Bank, and other development partners for their sustained commitment.
She noted that the scale-up phase builds upon the successes of the initial project by widening its reach and deepening its impact, targeting approximately four million women across Nigeria.
Representing the World Bank Country Director, Mr. Michael Ilesanmi applauded the federal government’s resolve to sustain the programme and ensure women’s inclusion in national development.
He highlighted that the project has delivered measurable results in promoting savings culture, entrepreneurship, and improved livelihoods among women in participating states.
He assured that the World Bank would continue to provide technical and financial support to enhance the initiative’s long-term sustainability.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, also described the project as a crucial catalyst for inclusive growth and human capital development.
He pledged continued technical oversight from the Finance Ministry to ensure transparency, efficiency, and alignment with national fiscal priorities.
“Women’s economic empowerment directly boosts productivity, family welfare, and national development. The Nigeria for Women Programme represents a sound investment in our nation’s future,” Edun affirmed.
Similarly, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, observed that the programme aligns with the National Development Plan (2021–2025) and the broader national agenda for sustainable economic growth.
He added that the Nigeria for Women Programme exemplifies the government’s commitment to ensuring no demographic group is excluded from national progress.
The inauguration was attended by representatives of 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 committee is tasked with providing strategic direction, approving work plans and budgets, monitoring implementation progress, and ensuring synergy among all implementing agencies.
