The Niger State Government has commenced the domestication of the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy as part of efforts to deepen inclusive economic growth, strengthen gender-responsive governance and expand economic opportunities for women across the state.
The initiative was unveiled during a press conference organised by the Niger State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), at the instance of the Ministry of Information and Orientation in Minna.
Speaking at the event, the NGF consultant for the project, Professor Fumi Banjo, said the week-long stakeholders’ engagement is aimed at developing a state-specific Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy that reflects the socio-economic realities and development priorities of Niger State.
She explained that discussions would focus on key sectors, including agriculture, entrepreneurship, labour market participation, education and emerging industries, with the objective of eliminating barriers limiting women’s economic participation and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, said the exercise would culminate in a comprehensive and legally backed Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy for Niger State.
According to her, the policy will improve women’s access to development financing, attract strategic partnerships and provide a coordinated framework for empowering women in line with the New Niger Agenda.
She appealed to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to approve the policy and commence its formal domestication and implementation.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Obed Nuhu Nana, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the policy through strategic communication and sustained public enlightenment.
He described the media as a critical development partner whose responsibility extends beyond news reporting to policy advocacy, behavioural change communication and citizen mobilisation.
Nana noted that effective communication would ensure that women across the 25 local government areas of the state are fully aware of the opportunities offered by the policy and encouraged to take advantage of its programmes.
He added that the Ministry of Information and Orientation would continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, media organisations, development partners and other stakeholders to promote awareness, encourage public participation, showcase success stories and sustain momentum for the policy’s implementation.
The Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy is expected to improve women’s access to finance, entrepreneurship support, agricultural value chains, vocational and digital skills development, education and decent employment, thereby contributing to poverty reduction, improved household incomes and sustainable socio-economic development in Niger State.
