Abuja: Mrs Chinwe Obi, National Coordinator of Mama’s Manufacturing Company, announced the launch of the ‘Mama Pay’ empowerment programme, which aims to train over 5,000 women in manufacturing across Nigeria. Obi revealed the initiative’s details during the programme’s unveiling in Abuja, where stakeholders discussed strategies for boosting women’s economic empowerment nationwide.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the programme is designed to enhance women’s participation in manufacturing through training, ownership opportunities, raw material supply chains, and product distribution networks throughout Nigeria. Obi stated that 90% of the company’s shares will be allocated to Nigerian women, allowing them to earn dividends and build sustainable wealth. The company plans to create 100,000 direct factory jobs within its first five years, with expectations of involving over 400,000 women nationwide.
The initiative aims to promote local production by sourcing approximately 80% of its raw materials from within Nigeria, thereby strengthening domestic industries. Mama’s Manufacturing Company will produce food, beverages, beauty, hygiene, and household products, establishing factories across various states based on raw material availability.
Obi highlighted that the programme would offer business and technology training to women, enhancing their capability to engage in manufacturing and value-chain activities effectively. The organisers are collaborating with relevant government and private-sector organisations to ensure adherence to regulatory standards and global best practices. The initiative plans to leverage technology to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency, facilitating women’s access to finance, information, and broader market opportunities.
Despite potential challenges, particularly knowledge gaps, regular training, mentorship, and orientation programmes will be implemented to address these limitations effectively. Obi encouraged Nigerian women to actively participate in the programme and seize the opportunities for ownership, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic empowerment.
Mrs Ruth Akoh, Head of Screening and Mobilisation at Mama Pay West Africa, noted that the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between government policies and their implementation. She emphasized that ‘Mama Pay’ moves beyond seminars and training to practical implementation, focusing on equipping women with skills and direct linkages to markets.
Akoh added that the programme would not be limited to Abuja, as activities are planned for Akwa Ibom, Lagos, and other states nationwide. The initiative also aims for expansion into other West African countries, thereby creating broader opportunities for women entrepreneurs and strengthening regional economic integration efforts.
Dr Victoria Akai, CEO of Duchess Nigeria Ltd. and former Director-General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, delivered the keynote address, stressing the importance of women’s economic inclusion. Akai advocated for a women-centred economic system that connects skills acquisition with finance, production, market access, and long-term wealth creation opportunities. She urged government and private-sector organisations to enhance support for women-owned businesses through improved access to finance, infrastructure, markets, technology, and legal protections.