Hussaini Kafi in Kano
Governor Malam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has inaugurated a Multi-Sectoral Coordination Steering Committee to oversee the implementation of the Nigeria for Women Programme (NFWP), a World Bank-assisted initiative in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Council Chambers of the Government House, Dutse, Governor Namadi described the NFWP as a vital platform to enhance women’s livelihoods and socioeconomic development in Jigawa State.
“The Nigeria for Women Programme is a World Bank-assisted initiative designed to support improved livelihoods and socioeconomic development for women. It aligns perfectly with our administration’s commitment to remove barriers to women’s prosperity and foster economic empowerment,” the governor stated.
The committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab, will provide strategic oversight, policy direction, and inter-ministerial coordination to ensure effective programme implementation.
Members include commissioners from Finance; Budget and Economic Planning; Health; Agriculture; Basic Education; Water Resources; and Local Government, alongside the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, who will serve as secretary.
Its terms of reference include reviewing and approving annual work plans and budgets, promoting inter-agency collaboration, ensuring stakeholder participation, guiding sectoral actions aligned with the programme’s objectives, and supporting the formation of Women Affinity Groups and Cooperatives.
Governor Namadi emphasized the programme’s potential to eliminate institutional and market barriers restricting women’s economic inclusion.
Responding on behalf of the members, Hajiya Abdulwahab thanked the governor for the opportunity and pledged the committee’s commitment to working for the benefit of Jigawa’s citizens.
