The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, on Friday stated that Nigeria requires 1.2 billion dollars over the next five years to meet its gender equality and social inclusion targets for sustainable development.
Sulaiman-Ibrahi, who stated this during the Annual General Meeting and Founder’s Day of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), on Friday in Abuja, said the government was exploring blended finance, public-private partnerships, and impact investments to fund programmes that benefited women, children, and families.
Represented at the event by her Special Adviser, Mrs Ola Erinfolami, the minister said “We face a 1.2 billion dollars financing gap. Closing it requires bold partnerships and investment in women’s advancement,” she said.
On the Reserved Seats Bill, Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended the National Assembly for supporting the move to increase women’s political representation, calling it a strategic investment in democracy and national progress.
Also speaking, Dr Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe and Chair of the National Traditional Rulers Council, backed the bill, saying: “We urge all lawmakers at the national and state levels to pass this crucial legislation for inclusive governance.”
The Chairperson of the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum, Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, said mobilising support for the bill was essential for women’s full political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Abdulrazaq was represented at the event by Hauwa Halira, Director-General, Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum.
“Nigeria’s next leap forward is only possible if women’s votes lead to seats of power,” she said.
Mrs Esther Udehi, NILOWV Founder, and Mrs Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, NILOWV President, urged grassroots advocacy to ensure widespread understanding and acceptance of the Reserved Seats Bill.
The President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Hajiya Aishatu Bura, in her remarks at the event highlighted the media’s role in amplifying women’s voices and pushing for inclusive political discourse.
The event also featured a panel session on “Women’s Voices and the Politics of Inclusion: Leveraging Reserved Seats for Electoral Victory.”
