By Fauziyya Lawal, Katsina
The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the World Bank, on Tuesday, July 2, 2025, hosted the Northwest-Nigeria for Women Project Scale Up NFWP-SU Summit. The event themed “Empowering Her: Advancing Women’s Economic Empowerment Through Regional Collaboration,” brought together key stakeholders across the region to reinforce their commitment to inclusive growth through women’s empowerment.
In a keynote address, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, described the project as Nigeria’s largest coordinated effort to economically uplift women. She emphasized the urgency of expanding the project, particularly in the Northwest, where 47% of adults lack access to both formal and informal financial services. The Minister noted that 32 states have already signed on to the scale up, with Katsina and Ekiti taking the lead in community implementation through Women Affinity Groups WAGs.
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, commended the Minister and the Katsina Commissioner for Women Affairs for their strong leadership and commitment to the cause. He reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to continue supporting initiatives that promote inclusive governance, citing Katsina’s efforts such as a 40% allocation to women in agricultural programmes, minimum 30% in economic interventions and the establishment of desk officers for women affairs across all 34 local government areas.
The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Mathew Verghis, praised the collaborative efforts driving the NFWP’s success. He noted that the Bank remains committed to providing both technical and financial support, not only to strengthen the institutional framework but to ensure that women at the grassroots level benefit meaningfully. “We are building systems that enable women to save, invest and grow their businesses sustainably,” he stated.
Earlier in the summit, Katsina State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hadiza Yar’adua welcomed participants and described the event as more than a summit, but a call to action. She stressed the importance of financial access for women-led cooperatives and small businesses, urging stakeholders to develop practical, inclusive solutions that support rural women, widows, displaced women and those living with disabilities.
As the two day summit continues, delegates from across Northern Nigeria are expected to explore new strategies for strengthening Women Affinity Groups WAGs, expanding access to livelihoods and fostering collaboration across states. With shared commitments and concrete actions, the NFWP Scale Up Summit in Katsina has set a bold tone for transforming women’s economic realities across the region and beyond.
