8th February 2025
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has announced plans to empower over 4.5 million women nationwide through the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) initiative.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted the urgency of implementing the project, which was approved in June 2023 but delayed for 18 months. She urged state Commissioners for Women Affairs to fast-track the recruitment of high-quality staff and set up necessary structures to ensure smooth execution.
The World Bank approved $500 million for the NFWP-SU in 2023 to support the Nigerian government in improving women’s livelihoods through economic inclusion, financial empowerment, and skill acquisition. This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to empower 10 million Nigerian women.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized that the beneficiaries are more than just numbers; they are mothers, entrepreneurs, and contributors to the nation’s economy. She assured that the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring the project’s success, with a high-profile Presidential launch planned in the coming weeks.
Permanent Secretary Dr. Maryam Keshinro echoed the minister’s sentiments, noting that empowering women strengthens communities and drives national progress. She called for a united effort to provide women with the necessary tools and opportunities to thrive.
