The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, is working to empower over 4.5 million women nationwide under the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) initiative.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasized the need for swift implementation of the project, with Dr. Maryam Keshinro, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, stressing the importance of unity and collaboration in empowering women.
In a statement by Mr. Jonathan Eze, the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Publicity, the minister highlighted the 18-month delay in launching the project and stressed the need for prompt action to meet its objectives. The initiative, approved in June 2023, aims to economically empower 4.5 million women across Nigeria through financial inclusion, skills development, and access to critical resources.
The World Bank approved $500 million for the NFWP-SU in 2023 to support the Nigerian government’s efforts in improving the livelihoods of women. This is the second loan granted to Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The minister called on state Commissioners for Women Affairs to prioritize recruiting high-quality project staff and establish effective implementation structures without delay. She also urged each state to create clear acceleration plans for the project’s successful execution.
The NFWP-SU is part of a larger vision to empower 10 million Nigerian women as outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda. The federal government is committed to the project’s success, with a Presidential launch planned for next month.
Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized that the 4.5 million women benefiting from the project represent more than just numbers, but mothers, entrepreneurs, leaders, and contributors to Nigeria’s economy. “Their success is Nigeria’s success,” she stated.
Dr. Keshinro shared her excitement about seeing so many passionate individuals united for a common cause, stressing that women are the heart of society and deserve the opportunities and tools to thrive.
