By: Adelowo Oladipo, Minna
Niger State Government has commenced the domestication of the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy as part of ongoing efforts to promote inclusive economic growth, strengthen gender-responsive governance, and expand opportunities for women across the state.
The initiative was announced during a press conference organised by the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum NGF at the instance of the Ministry of Information and Orientation in Minna.
The Director, Information Services, State Ministry of Information and Orientation ,Yunusa Saidu Ibrahim stated this in a Press statement issued and made available to Journalists on Tuesday in Minna .
The statement added that the consultant of the project from NGF, Professor Fumi Banjo said the week-long stakeholders’ engagement would develop a state-specific framework that reflects the socio-economic realities and development priorities of Niger State.
She explained that deliberations would focus on agriculture, entrepreneurship, labour market participation, education, and emerging industries, with the goal of eliminating barriers that limit women’s economic participation and fostering sustainable livelihoods.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, stated that the exercise would culminate in a comprehensive and legally backed Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy for Niger State. According to her, the policy will strengthen access to development financing, attract strategic partnerships, and provide a coordinated framework for empowering women in line with the New Niger Agenda.
She appealed to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to approve the policy and commence its formal domestication and implementation.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Obed Nuhu Nana reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the policy through strategic communication and sustained public engagement.
He described the media as a critical development partner whose role extends beyond news reporting to public enlightenment, policy advocacy, behavioural change communication, and citizen mobilisation. He noted that effective communication would ensure that women across the 25 local government areas of the state understand the opportunities provided by the policy and are encouraged to take full advantage of its programmes.
The Commissioner further stressed that the Ministry of Information and Orientation will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, media organisations, development partners, and other stakeholders to promote awareness, encourage public participation, highlight success stories, and sustain momentum throughout the implementation process.
The Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy is expected to improve women’s access to finance, entrepreneurship support, agricultural value chains, vocational and digital skills development, education, and decent employment, thereby contributing to poverty reduction, increased household incomes, and sustainable socio-economic development across Niger State.
The Niger State Government remains committed to implementing policies that promote inclusive governance, empower vulnerable groups, and improve the quality of life of all citizens through strategic partnerships and effective public communication.
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