Governor Malam Umar Namadi today officially inaugurated a Multi-Sectoral Coordination Steering Committee to oversee and support the implementation of the Nigeria for Women Program (NFWP)—a World Bank-assisted initiative in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
In his remarks during the inauguration at the Council Chambers in Government House, Dutse, Governor Namadi stated:
“The Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP) is a World Bank-assisted program being implemented in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria to support improved livelihoods and the socioeconomic development of women.
The program perfectly aligns with our commitment to initiate and implement targeted interventions that address barriers to women’s prosperity and build social assets for women’s economic empowerment.”
The newly established Steering Committee will play a crucial role in providing policy direction, inter-ministerial coordination, and ensuring the programme’s alignment with state priorities and development goals.
The committee, which will be chaired by the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, has the following membership: Commissioners for Finance; Budget and Economic Planning; Health; Agriculture; Basic Education; Water Resources; and Local Government; the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor; and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, to serve as Secretary.
The Committee has the following terms of reference:
* Review and approval of annual work plans and budgets
* Facilitate inter-agency collaboration across LGAs
* Ensure stakeholder inclusion in implementation
* Promote shared resources across sectors
* Support Women Affinity Groups and Cooperatives
* Guide priority sectoral actions aligned with project objectives
* Provide oversight and monitor implementation progress
The Governor expressed strong commitment to the project’s success, emphasizing that the NFWP will help address institutional and market constraints limiting women’s participation in economic development.
It is anticipated that the program will also catalyze the formation of women cooperatives and affinity groups, essential for promoting skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.
“We therefore hope to create an enabling environment for improved productive livelihoods and the socioeconomic advancement of women through the NFWP,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the members, the Committee’s Chairperson, who is also the commissioner for women affairs and social development, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab, thanked the governor for finding them worthy to work on this crucial committee and pledged to give their best to work for the goodness of the citizens of Jigawa State.
