…inaugurate gender affairs development
The governors of the nation’s 36 states, under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), have assured their commitment to aiding efforts at strengthening subnational support for gender equality and social inclusion in the country.
The Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, gave this assurance in Abuja while announcing the establishment of a new Gender Affairs Department within the NGF to strengthen subnational support for gender equality and social inclusion.
According to a statement by the Director, Media & Strategic Communications at the NGF, Yunusa Abdullahi, Governor AbdulRazaq spoke while inaugurating the Community of Practice (CoP) for Commissioners of Women Affairs.
The NGF Chairman said the initiative represents a turning point in the country’s commitment to women and girls, adding that it is “a remarkable milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.”
Governor AbdulRazaq added, “Our collective efforts have brought together dedication, resources, and strategic initiatives to make gender inclusion an essential component of governance and development at all levels.”
He highlighted the united purpose behind the agenda.l, adding: “Today we unite to further the cause of gender equality and reinforce the institutional frameworks that support women’s empowerment throughout Nigeria.”
The governor noted the importance of the collaborative role of the states in ensuring the programme’s success, adding: “This event marks an important step forward as Commissioners of Women Affairs from every state come together, pooling their expertise and determination to pursue a shared vision for lasting progress.”
The NGF Chairman also disclosed the group’s “comprehensive Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment Strategic Plan 2025 to 2029, which is aligned with the National Gender Policy, the National WEE Policy, and the Sustainable Development Goals.”
He added that the same plan outlines ambitious, yet achievable targets for mainstreaming gender perspectives in governance, budget processes, and legal reforms throughout the country.”
Reaffirming the NGF’s role in scaling national programmes, Governor AbdulRazaq said: “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has integrated the Nigeria for Women Programme into state-level plans and priorities.
“Initially piloted in six states, the program has now expanded its operations to 31 states, reflecting widespread acceptance and implementation across Nigeria,” he added.
The NGF Chairman applauded leading states, stating, “The adoption of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy at the state level continues to gain momentum, with states such as Kaduna, Kwara, and Lagos leading the way.
“All other states are committed to domesticating the policy, ensuring inclusion and empowerment in every one of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.”
Earlier, while declaring the event open, NGF’s Director General, Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, restated NGF’s commitment to gender equity as a core driver of development.
Shittu said, “I am truly pleased to officially open the inaugural Community of Practice for Commissioners of Women Affairs in Nigeria.
He added, “The NGF remains strongly committed to strengthening gender equity, inclusive governance, and the economic empowerment of women across all states.
“Sustainable development is impossible when half of the population is left behind, and empowering women creates a multiplier effect that strengthens households, communities, and state economies.”
Shittu noted that the CoP was meant to encourage shared learning and joint action, adding: “Collaboration, not isolation, is the gateway to real progress.
Giving the commitment speech on behalf of the states’ Women Affairs Commissioners, the holder of that portfolio in Cross River State, Edema Irom, described the development as “historic and timely.”
Irom, who is the Deen of Commissioners for Women Affairs, explained that the event came at a time when “women’s economic empowerment, political inclusion, and improved governance structures are national priorities.”
She outlined five commitments the commissioners will champion: full domestication of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy, stronger coordination with national and development partners, increased representation of women in leadership and the expansion of data-driven programmes such as the Nigeria for Women Project, and the use of the Community of Practice for peer learning and harmonization of state efforts.
She added, “Progress for women and girls is inseparable from the nation’s growth. The commitments made today represent a strong start toward a more inclusive future where women’s participation and potential are fully recognized,” she said.
In her contribution, the Director of Gender Affairs at the NGF Secretariat, Hauwa Haliru, described the CoP as “a collaborative platform established to enhance gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive governance across all states.”
Ms. Haliru said the forum creates a space for commissioners to “learn from one another, share best practices, and collectively address shared challenges and opportunities in policy design, implementation, and advocacy for women and girls.”
She added, “By fostering this network under the leadership of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat and in collaboration with the Dean of Women Affairs Commissioners, the COP aims to drive measurable progress on subnational gender priorities.”
On its vision, Haliru said the COP is “a national platform that accelerates results, peer learning, advocacy, and coordinated leadership for advancing women’s economic empowerment, because the platform connects commissioners, leverages shared expertise, and amplifies collective influence.”
She detailed the objectives of the COP, noting that it will facilitate the exchange of best practices and policy lessons, organize training, drive coherence in gender-related policies, promote collaboration with key stakeholders, develop joint monitoring strategies, and showcase innovative solutions for tackling emerging issues.
On the platform’s effectiveness, she said the commissioners will “advocate as a group, shaping the national agenda and donor engagement,” with dedicated sessions for troubleshooting, peer learning, and adopting practical solutions.
She highlighted key activities such as knowledge sharing sessions, quarterly review meetings, state-to-state mentoring, and rapid response task teams for policy and operational needs.
