The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has inaugurated the Federal Steering Committee for the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project (NFWP-SU), describing it as a national milestone in the country’s commitment to gender equality, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
In a statement signed by her Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Jonathan Eze, the Minister noted that the Nigeria for Women Programme has become the nation’s most significant women’s economic empowerment platform, transforming the delivery of social protection and livelihood interventions.
She explained that the scale-up phase expands the initiative to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, integrating lessons from the first phase, which ran from 2018 to 2024.
According to her, the project brings together financial inclusion, livelihood support, and social protection under a unified national framework, strengthening Women Affinity Groups as permanent economic institutions with stronger linkages to formal finance, markets, and public services.
“We are moving from fragmented interventions to a systemic model that positions women as key drivers of Nigeria’s inclusive growth, resilience, and long-term stability,” she said.
Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that though the project commenced about 18 months behind schedule, it has already taken off in 18 states and was rated satisfactory during the recent World Bank Implementation Support Mission.
“The success of this scale-up depends on every one of us. When we empower a woman, we empower a household; and when we empower millions of women, we transform an entire economy,” she stated.
In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mariam Ismaila Keshinro, described the inauguration as another milestone in advancing women’s economic inclusion. She said the initiative, conceived with the support of the World Bank, has proven successful in addressing barriers limiting women’s productivity and participation in socio-economic activities.
Dr. Keshinro noted that the parent project empowered thousands of women through access to financial services, capacity building, and the formation of Women Affinity Groups—now platforms for entrepreneurship, solidarity, and community development. She added that the scale-up will extend these benefits to millions more across the country.
The National Coordinator of the Nigeria for Women Project, Dr. Hadiza Maina, presented an update on progress, commending the Federal Government, the World Bank, and development partners for their continued support. She stated that the scale-up is expected to reach about four million women nationwide.
Representing the World Bank Country Director, Mr. Michael Ilesanmi praised the Federal Government for sustaining the programme, noting that the initiative has improved savings culture, entrepreneurship, and livelihoods among participating women. He reaffirmed the Bank’s continued support.
Also speaking, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, described the programme as a crucial driver of inclusive growth and human capital development. He pledged continued technical oversight to ensure transparency and alignment with national fiscal priorities.
The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, said the initiative aligns with the National Development Plan (2021–2025) and demonstrates government commitment to ensuring no group is left behind.
The event 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.
The newly inaugurated Federal Steering Committee is expected to provide strategic direction, approve work plans and budgets, monitor implementation progress, and enhance synergy across agencies.
Formally inaugurating the committee and presenting its eight-month action plan, Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim reaffirmed that women’s economic empowerment is not an act of charity, but a nation-building, peace-building, and climate resilience strategy.