…Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim leads push for women’s inclusion in infrastructure, energy
Nigeria and China has signed a major Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Enhancing the Participation of Women in Nigeria’s Gas Sector, The new agreement aims to expand opportunities for women in clean energy, accelerate the adoption of clean cooking technologies, and strengthen access to sustainable energy for women-led enterprises and households across Nigeria.
Led by the Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the MoU was signed during the maiden Nigeria–China Women’s Infrastructure Investment Forum in Beijing, with the theme: “Investing in Nigeria’s Future: Harnessing Gender-Responsive Infrastructure for Sustainable Growth and Social Resilience,”
The event, jointly organized by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Mutual Commitment Group, the China Chamber of Commerce for the Petroleum Industry (CCCPI), and the Nigeria–China Friendship Association, brought together senior policymakers, investors, private-sector leaders, and development partners from both nations to chart a new course for inclusive growth.
According to the Minister, the partnership complements several flagship programmes under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Women Agro Value Expansion (WAVE) Programme and the establishment of Safe Spaces and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) nationwide.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that this move will deepen economic diplomacy and place women at the center of development, adding that it will unlock gender-responsive infrastructure financing and sustainable economic inclusion.
“Together, these initiatives represent a unified strategy to empower women, strengthen families, and build resilient communities,” she said. “This forum marks a decisive shift from dialogue to measurable action. Through partnerships like these, we are moving from advocacy to execution, from policy papers to real impact.”
Legislative and Institutional Support for Women’s Empowerment
Speaking at the event, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Member representing Kosofe Federal Constituency, commended the Minister’s leadership and reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to supporting inclusive development policies.
She noted that the proposed Reserved Seats for Women Bill before the National Assembly reflects a strong legislative intent to institutionalize women’s political participation and leadership.
“My presence here demonstrates the synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government. We are providing the structural assurance that every project initiated under this partnership rests on a strong and progressive legal foundation,” Ogbara stated.
Affirmative Procurement and Inclusive Growth
Representing the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mrs. Eugenia Ojeah, Head of Procurement, emphasized the importance of affirmative procurement as a policy tool to drive gender equity and inclusive economic growth.
“This milestone empowers Nigerian women to live their best lives and contribute meaningfully to nation-building. Affirmative procurement is not charity, it is a global economic strategy that ensures inclusion and competitiveness,” she said.
Private Sector and International Voices Back the Partnership
In her goodwill remarks, Ms. Ma Li of the China Chamber of Commerce highlighted the forum as a model of cross-border cooperation that places gender at the heart of economic development.
Similarly, representatives from Nigeria’s private sector, Newbury Energy Ltd and Easy Sales Export, shared insights from ongoing collaborations with the Ministry of Women Affairs on the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII 774). The initiative targets 10 million women across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas through interventions in agriculture, renewable energy, digital inclusion, and family infrastructure.
Mr. Liu Zhaolong, Group Managing Director of the Mutual Commitment Group, lauded the unity of purpose behind the partnership. “This cooperation gives us great hope for long-term engagement. We are united by shared responsibility and trust — wherever we operate, we will honour our promises,” he affirmed.
Minister Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Inclusive Development
Closing the event, Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and all stakeholders for their partnership and hospitality, noting that implementation of the new agreements would begin immediately.
“These engagements are not ceremonial; they are operational blueprints for change,” she said. “By investing in women, we are investing in Nigeria’s future. Every policy, every partnership, and every project we build with inclusivity at its core strengthens our nation’s social and economic fabric.”
The Nigeria–China Women’s Infrastructure Investment Forum thus stands as a landmark in Nigeria’s international development cooperation, signaling a strategic pivot toward gender-focused investment as a driver of national growth and resilience.
