Nigeria’s Minister of Women’s Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has issued a clear warning to politicians: neglect women, and risk losing their votes in the 2027 elections.
Speaking at the Northwest Governors Summit on the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) in Katsina, she stressed that women are now more politically aware and ready to support leaders who prioritise their needs.
Why Women’s Empowerment Matters
The Minister explained that women’s empowerment must be taken seriously by any government. Women make up more than half of Nigeria’s population, yet many are still left out of key areas like:
- Access to credit and markets
- Financial literacy
- Ownership of formal businesses
She warned that politicians who neglect women in policies and development plans could face a backlash at the polls.
Support for Women-Friendly Governments
The Minister praised President Bola Tinubu and some state governors for supporting women-focused initiatives. She said these leaders can expect the support of women in the 2027 elections.
“Neglect women, neglect votes. Women don’t gamble — they support those who support them,” she said.
What is the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP)?
The NFWP is a $100 million World Bank-backed programme focused on helping women become more financially secure, socially protected, and politically active.
The programme helps by:
- Giving women access to small loans and credit
- Encouraging group savings and business growth
- Promoting leadership among women
- Reducing dependence on informal and risky credit sources
So far, 32 states have joined the project, showing strong national support for women’s development.
The Challenge: Financial Exclusion in the Northwest
According to a 2023 EFInA survey, nearly half (47%) of adults in the Northwest lack access to basic financial services. This leaves many women trapped in poverty.
The minister noted this problem makes it urgent to expand gender-focused programmes like the NFWP to help women escape poverty and build resilience.
Women Affinity Groups (WAGs): A Key Solution
The project’s main strategy involves forming Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) — small support groups where women:
- Save money together
- Start small businesses
- Learn financial skills
- Support one another
In states where these groups already exist, results show:
- Household incomes grew by up to 30%
- Reliance on unsafe credit dropped by over 40%
Scaling Up for Bigger Impact
The government plans to expand the NFWP-SU to eight more states by July 2025, and possibly secure more funding from the World Bank to support the growing interest.
The minister said all the technical teams, data monitoring, and support structures that will make the expansion work smoothly.
Katsina’s Commitment to Women
Governor Dikko Radda announced that one million women in three local government areas are already set to benefit from the project. The state government has pledged more funds so that women in all 34 local government areas can also enjoy.
Conclusion: Politicians Must Not Neglect Women
The message is clear: Neglect women, and neglect votes. With more awareness and political will, Nigerian women are ready to support leaders who include them in national progress.
The Nigeria for Women Project is a proven model that’s changing lives — but it must be expanded, funded, and prioritised by all levels of government.
For tools and resources to support women’s empowerment, visit:
