The Jigawa State Government in North-West Nigeria has inaugurated a Multi-Sectoral Coordination Steering Committee to oversee and support the implementation of the Nigeria for Women Programme (NFWP), a World Bank-assisted initiative in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi, while inaugurating the committee, stated that the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to implementing targeted interventions that address barriers to women’s prosperity and build social capital for women’s economic empowerment in Jigawa State.
He said, “The Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP) is a World Bank-assisted programme being implemented in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria to support improved livelihoods and the socio-economic development of women.”
The Governor expressed his commitment to the success of the project, stressing that the NFWP would help tackle institutional and market constraints limiting women’s participation in economic development.
“We therefore hope to create an enabling environment for improved productive livelihoods and the socio-economic advancement of women through the NFWP,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the members, the Chairperson of the Committee and Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab, thanked the Governor for finding them worthy to serve on the important committee. She pledged their commitment to working in the best interest of the people of Jigawa State.
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A press statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Jigawa State Governor, Hamisu Gumel, stated that the newly established Steering Committee will play a critical role in providing policy direction, facilitating inter-ministerial coordination, and ensuring the programme’s alignment with state priorities and development goals.
The committee, which will be chaired by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, comprises Commissioners for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Health, Agriculture, Basic Education, Water Resources, and Local Government. Other members include 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.
The committee’s terms of reference include reviewing and approving annual work plans and budgets, facilitating inter-agency collaboration across local government areas, ensuring stakeholder inclusion in implementation, and promoting shared resources across sectors.
Additionally, the committee is tasked with supporting Women Affinity Groups and cooperatives, guiding priority sectoral actions aligned with project objectives, and providing oversight to monitor implementation progress.
