- NGF inaugurates gender affairs development
The 36 governors across the states of the federation, under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), have reststed their commitment to aiding efforts at strengthening subnational support for gender equality and social inclusion.
The forum’s Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq gave the 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.
A statement by the NGF’s Director, Media & Strategic Communications, Yunusa Abdullahi, said 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”.
He 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.”
AbdulRazaq highlighted the united purpose behind the agenda, saying: “Today, we unite to further the cause of gender equality and reinforce the institutional frameworks that support women’s empowerment throughout Nigeria.”
The governor said the states needed to collaborate and ensure the programme’s success.
He added: “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.”
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The NGF chairman also annpunced the forum’s “comprehensive Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment Strategic Plan 2025 to 2029, which aligns with the National Gender Policy, the National WEE Policy, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.
According to him, 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 programme has now expanded its operations to 31 states, reflecting widespread acceptance and implementation across Nigeria.”
The NGF chairman applauded leading states in the quest to push the programme through.
He said: “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.”
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.
“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.”
In a commitment speech on behalf of the states’ Women Affairs Commissioners, the Cross River State holder of the portfolio, Edema Irom, described the development as “historic and timely”.
Irom, who is the Dean of Commissioners for Women Affairs, noted that the event came at a time “women’s economic empowerment, political inclusion, and improved governance structures are national priorities”.
She outlined five commitments the commissioners would 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.
Irom 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.”
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”.
