• Pushes for economic empowerment
Tayo Busayo, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reversing the trend where 70% of Nigerian women are engaged in the informal sector, as part of its broader strategy to elevate the economic status of women and contribute to national development. This pledge was made during the second meeting of the High-Level Advisory Council (HLAC) on Supporting Women and Girls in Nigeria, held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, who led the discussions, called for a multi-sectoral approach to enhance the economic standing of women, emphasizing the need for action over rhetoric. She stressed that women play a crucial role in all sectors of society, and it is vital for both public and private institutions to work collaboratively to improve their financial prospects.
“We are tired of talking without action, knowing that Nigerian women are suffering. We can't continue to fold our arms and watch,” the Minister said. “This meeting aims to charge members to look inwards, brainstorm, align with the new narratives, and proffer workable solutions that will ensure the realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.”
Kennedy-Ohanenye highlighted the stark reality that 70% of Nigerian women are confined to informal economic activities, a trend the government is actively seeking to reverse through various empowerment initiatives. These initiatives include skill acquisition programs aimed at enabling women to transition into more formal sectors of the economy, thereby boosting their contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, also commended Nigerian women for their resilience and hard work, noting that they form the backbone of the economy. He emphasized the critical need for financial, psychological, and social support to enable women to maximize their potential both in their families and in society.
“Nigerian women are the backbone of our economy, and their empowerment is crucial to our national progress. Without progress for women, there is no progress for the nation,” Bagudu stated, praising the Ministry of Women Affairs for its dedication to advancing women’s causes.
The government’s approach to women’s economic empowerment was further underscored by Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, who pointed out that the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) policy, launched in May 2023, is designed to provide a comprehensive, multi-sectoral framework for uplifting women. Represented by the Director of Women Development, Mrs. Friya Bulus, Aduda urged the Advisory Council to work in close partnership with the Ministry to advance gender equality and economic inclusion for women across various sectors of the economy.
The WEE policy is central to the government’s efforts to transition women from informal to formal sectors, providing a foundation for sustainable development. At the sub-national level, the Ministry is collaborating with various organizations, including the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) and Albright Stonebridge, to ensure the successful implementation of the policy.
In her vote of thanks, Mrs. Blessing Anunike, Director of the Economic Services Department at the Ministry, acknowledged the partnership with dRPC and other stakeholders. She stressed that the focus on women’s empowerment must be approached with renewed commitment, as it is fundamental to the country’s long-term development.
The HLAC, established in 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, was inaugurated to drive the implementation of the WEE policy and other gender-focused initiatives. The Council, which brings together high-level stakeholders, continues to play a key role in ensuring that women and girls in Nigeria are supported through meaningful economic opportunities.
As the Tinubu administration moves forward with its Renewed Hope Agenda, the empowerment of women remains a central pillar of its economic strategy. The government's sustained efforts to reduce the percentage of women in the informal sector aim to unlock the full economic potential of Nigerian women, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and prosperous nation.
