New york: The Federal Government has announced the activation of economic empowerment for no fewer than 10 million women, aligning with its ambition to achieve a one trillion dollar economy. This was revealed by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, during a high-level sideline event at the 2025 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held in New York, U.S.A.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event, themed ‘Scaling Women’s Economic Empowerment: Financing Inclusive Growth for Peace, Development, and Human Rights – Lessons from Nigeria for Women Project,’ was attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the UNGA. The minister emphasized that the empowerment efforts are being realized through various projects, initiatives, programs, and interventions specifically targeting women.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP) as a significant platform under President Tinubu’s leadership, focusing on women’s economic empowerment. In its initial phase, over 460,000 women were mobilized into Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) across several states. These groups have collectively saved an average of N4.9 billion and have engaged in inter-loaning to expand businesses, cover health expenses, and pay for education. Additionally, more than 330,000 women have received livelihood grants and have been linked to formal financial institutions, national ID, and health insurance schemes.
The minister stated that following a successful pilot launch in six states, the program has been expanded nationwide. She remarked that the model, although inspired by global experiences, has been adapted to Nigerian realities. The Women Affinity Groups have become essential platforms for voice, social capital, and economic agency, thereby transforming communities and reducing household vulnerability.
She further explained that the government has consolidated its empowerment strategies into a unified delivery system called the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions – 774 (RH-SII774). This initiative aims to impact over 50 million women, children, families, and vulnerable individuals across all 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria. It addresses systemic issues such as gender inequality, family instability, digital exclusion, child vulnerability, and economic disempowerment.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, represented by Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, acknowledged the economic necessity of investing in women empowerment. He praised the Nigeria for Women Programme (NFWP) as a testament to the power of targeted financing. The program, a collaboration among the Federal Government, State Ministries, the World Bank, and other partners, has expanded from six to 15 states, with commitments from 32 states overall.
Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, expressed appreciation for President Tinubu’s support for women inclusivity and youth development. Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State noted the special attention his administration gives to women empowerment, with women being the primary beneficiaries of empowerment programs in the state.
Other notable attendees included Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ahmed Dangiwa, First Lady of Zamfara State Hajiya Huriyya Lawal, Charge d’Affaires at the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations Samson Itegboje, and Prof. Kabir Mato.
NAN recalls that President Tinubu’s administration aims for Nigeria to become a US$1-trillion economy by 2030. This objective is part of the broader ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ under the ‘Nigeria First’ policy. Vice President Shettima inaugurated an Interministerial Committee in April to drive the achievement of this goal.