In a crucial meeting with State Commissioners of Women Affairs, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for urgent action to implement the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), stressing that “time is of the essence” in achieving its ambitious goals.
In a statement issued by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jonathan Eze, Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim recalled that the project was officially approved in June 2023, stressing that the 18-month delay in execution must be overcome quickly, as Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in empowering millions of women.
According to the statement, the NFWP-SU is poised to directly impact 4.5 million women across Nigeria, aiming to foster economic inclusion, financial empowerment, and access to vital resources and skills.
The Minister outlined the critical importance of moving forward without delay, underscoring that decisive actions must be taken at the state level to ensure the project reaches its full potential.
“We must leave this room with clear commitments, decisive actions, and a renewed sense of urgency,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim declared, urging the Commissioners to ensure no woman is left behind in the implementation process. She specifically called for the swift recruitment of qualified project staff and the establishment of effective project implementation structures at the state level.
The project is a central component of the broader vision to empower 10 million Nigerian women under the Renewed Hope Agenda, a key initiative by the federal government. The Minister assured that the government would provide full support to ensure the project’s success, with plans for a high-profile Presidential launch within the next month.
Speaking alongside the Minister, Permanent Secretary Dr. Maryam Keshinro stressed the importance of unity and collaboration, asserting that when women thrive, the nation thrives. “Women are the heartbeat of our society, bringing resilience, creativity, and inspiration,” Keshinro said. “It is our responsibility to ensure they have the tools and opportunities they deserve.”
The NFWP-SU marks a historic step towards transforming the lives of millions of Nigerian women, and both the Minister and Permanent Secretary are calling on all stakeholders to act with urgency and commitment.
“The stakes are high, and the responsibility rests on us. The success of these 4.5 million women is the success of Nigeria,” the Minister concluded.
