Ola Akinwunmi
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled plans to empower 4.5 million women across the country through the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) initiative.
This ambitious project, approved in June 2023 by the World Bank, aims to promote economic inclusion, financial empowerment, and provide access to essential skills and resources for women.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasized the need for swift action to implement the project, citing an 18-month delay in execution. She stressed that immediate action is required to meet the project’s development objectives, which align with the broader vision of empowering 10 million Nigerian women under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Publicity, Mr. Jonathan Eze, on Saturday, the minister, alluding to the 18-month delay in execution, stressed that time is of the essence, and immediate action is required to meet the project’s development objectives.
The statement noted that “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 World Bank Group has approved a $500 million loan to support the project, which will be used to improve the livelihoods of women in Nigeria.
This loan marks the second approved by the World Bank under President Bola Tinubu.The project’s success relies on the collaboration of state Commissioners for Women Affairs, who are tasked with recruiting high-quality project staff and constituting relevant implementation structures without delay. A clear roadmap with firm commitments from each state is also essential to drive implementation at the state level.
The Minister assured that the Federal Government is committed to supporting the project’s success, with a high-profile Presidential launch planned within the next month. She emphasized that the success of the project is crucial, as the estimated 4.5 million women who stand to benefit are not just numbers, but mothers, entrepreneurs, leaders, and contributors to Nigeria’s economy.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of unity and collaboration in empowering women. She emphasized that women are the heartbeat of society, bringing creativity, resilience, and inspiration, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure they have the necessary tools and opportunities to thrive.
