The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, is set 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 urgency of implementing the NFWP-SU, while the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, highlighted the significance of unity and collaboration in fostering women’s progress.
A statement released on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Publicity, Mr. Jonathan Eze, referenced an 18-month delay in execution. The minister stressed the need for immediate action to achieve the project’s developmental objectives.
“The project, approved in June 2023, aims to empower 4.5 million women across Nigeria through economic inclusion, financial empowerment, and access to essential skills and resources,” the statement read.
PUNCH Online reports that the World Bank Group approved $500 million for the NFWP-SU in 2023 to support Nigeria’s efforts in enhancing women’s livelihoods. This marks the second World Bank loan approved under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“We must leave this room with clear commitments, decisive actions, and a renewed sense of urgency to drive implementation at the state level, ensuring that no woman is left behind,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated.
She urged state Commissioners for Women Affairs to prioritize the recruitment of high-quality project staff and establish relevant implementation structures without delay. Additionally, she called for a clear roadmap with concrete commitments from each state regarding acceleration plans and next steps.
The NFWP-SU aligns with the broader vision of empowering 10 million Nigerian women under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the project’s success, announcing a high-profile Presidential launch within the next month.
“The stakes are high, and the responsibility rests on us. The estimated 4.5 million women who stand to benefit from this project are not just numbers; they are mothers, entrepreneurs, leaders, and contributors to our nation’s economy. Their success is Nigeria’s success,” she added.
Permanent Secretary Dr. Maryam Keshinro expressed enthusiasm about the collective commitment to women’s empowerment, emphasizing that women are the heartbeat of society. She noted that fostering creativity, resilience, and inspiration among women is a shared responsibility, ensuring they have the necessary tools and opportunities to thrive.
