The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, says about 70% of Nigerian women live in extreme poverty, highlighting the urgent need for nationwide economic and social empowerment initiatives.
She made this known during the inauguration of the Federal Steering Committee for the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up Project (NFWP-SU) in Abuja. The new phase of the program expands to all 36 states and the FCT, merging financial inclusion, livelihood support, and social protection into one national framework.
According to the minister, the initiative aims to lift millions of women, especially in rural areas out of poverty by improving access to finance, increasing household income, and making women central to Nigeria’s economic growth. She noted that the program targets about four million women and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on gender equality and social cohesion.
The Minister of Finance, represented by Permanent Secretary Raymond Omachi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that “no woman is left behind.”
Dr. Hadiza Maina, National Coordinator of the Nigeria for Women Project, explained that states must meet specific criteria including passing the VAPP Act and setting up Sexual Assault Referral Centre before accessing project funds.
Since its launch in 2018 with World Bank support, the program has empowered thousands of women through access to credit, training, and Women Affinity Groups. The Scale-Up phase aims to build on these successes, ensuring inclusive development and stronger social protection across Nigeria.
