The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has announced an ambitious goal to empower 10 million women economically by 2027.
The minister, in her address at a world press briefing held on Friday in Abuja, reaffirmed her commitment to driving transformational change that will uplift women, children, families, and vulnerable groups across the country.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted that the Ministry of Women Affairs has shifted from policy-making to taking tangible action. According to her, the ministry has progressed from conversations to measurable outcomes and is now focused on implementing bold, systemic reforms that will bring about substantial change for women and vulnerable populations.
During the briefing, the minister outlined several of her achievements, including the strengthening of key policy frameworks such as the implementation of the National Gender Policy (2021), the National Women Economic Empowerment Policy, and the review of the Child Rights Act (2003). She also emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to international frameworks like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, among others.
These frameworks, Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained, offer a clear roadmap for the ministry’s efforts. With a renewed vision, the ministry is focused on accelerating the implementation of these policies to achieve meaningful outcomes for women.
Central to the minister’s strategy is economic empowerment, with a vision to help 10 million women become key contributors to Nigeria’s economic growth. Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated that this aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of transforming Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy, where women play a central role in national productivity.
The minister revealed that progress has already been made through the implementation of the World Bank-supported Nigeria for Women Scale-Up Project, which targets 4.5 million women across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This initiative will focus on providing financial literacy, business development, and cooperative structures to equip women with the tools needed to create sustainable enterprises and contribute to the country’s economic progress.
Another key initiative is the MOWA-SARA Accelerated Skills Acquisition Programme, launched in collaboration with WEMA Bank. This program aims to train 500,000 women in vocational skills, business entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion. The first phase of the program is already underway in Kano State, where 2,500 women are receiving training at the Ministry of Women Affairs Centre in Dederi and the Kano Hospitality & Tourism Institute in Gyadi-Gyadi.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim has also emphasized the importance of collaborative governance. She has strengthened her engagement with state governments and held several sessions with Commissioners for Women Affairs across the 36 states, fostering improved collaboration, knowledge sharing, and policy alignment to ensure the effective implementation of national programs at the state level.
At the briefing, various women’s groups, development partners, and students showed their support for the minister. Over 500 women benefitted from empowerment initiatives during the citizens’ engagement event.
“This aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion economy, where women are key contributors to national productivity.
“We have already taken decisive steps toward achieving this, with the commencement of implementation of the World Bank supported Nigeria for Women Scale-Up Project, which targets 4.5 million women across all 36 states and the FCT.
“Through financial literacy, business development, and cooperative structures, we will be equipping women with the tools they need to build sustainable enterprises and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.”
“The first phase of the program is currently underway in Kano State, with 2,500 women being trained at the Ministry of Women Affairs Centre in Dederi and the Kano Hospitality & Tourism Institute in Gyadi-Gyadi,” she added.
Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, praised the minister’s dynamic leadership and her efforts to foster an environment conducive to innovation. Keshinro acknowledged the positive changes Sulaiman-Ibrahim has brought in just 100 days in office, highlighting the minister’s unwavering commitment to empowering women and championing initiatives that create a brighter future for all.
