Nigeria, Türkiye Sign MoU to Boost Women, Children Welfare

Nigeria has strengthened its commitment to inclusive social development with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Türkiye, aimed at improving the welfare of women, children, vulnerable populations, and promoting family cohesion.

The agreement was signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official state visit to Türkiye.

Representing Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, executed the MoU, while Türkiye’s Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Ozdemir Göktaş, signed on behalf of her government.

The bilateral pact is expected to deliver wide-ranging benefits for Nigerian women through expanded economic empowerment programmes, entrepreneurship support, and structured mentorship initiatives designed to improve socio-economic outcomes and foster social solidarity.

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A key focus of the partnership is the reinforcement of family systems, including support for Nigeria’s first National Action Plan on Families. The MoU identifies the care economy as a crucial driver of sustainable development and social stability.

For children, the agreement prioritises the establishment of strong child protection frameworks, with emphasis on early intervention strategies to prevent neglect, abuse, and exploitation. The initiative aims to strengthen safeguarding mechanisms and promote healthier childhood development across Nigeria.

The MoU also highlights the inclusion of disadvantaged groups, particularly persons with disabilities and senior citizens, promoting their full participation in society, access to social services, and active, dignified ageing.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the agreement aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She pledged that the Ministry of Women Affairs would work “faster and smarter” to positively impact no fewer than 50 million Nigerians by 2030 through focused and effective social development interventions.

The signing concludes a year-long engagement between Nigeria and Türkiye and reflects the country’s determination to adopt global best practices in advancing gender equality, child welfare, and inclusive social development.