The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman Abubakar says Nigeria requires $1.2 billion over the next five years to achieve its gender equality and social inclusion targets in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She disclosed this during the Annual General Meeting and Founder’s Day celebration of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) on Friday in Abuja.
Represented by her Special Adviser, Mrs. Ola Erinfolami, the minister said the government was exploring blended finance, public-private partnerships, and impact investments to support programmes benefiting women, children, and families.
“We face a $1.2 billion financing gap. Closing it requires bold partnerships and increased investment in women’s advancement,” she said.
On the Reserved Seats Bill, the minister, Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, commended the National Assembly for supporting efforts to increase women’s political representation, describing it as a strategic investment in democracy and national development.
Also speaking, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, expressed support for the bill, urging lawmakers at all levels to ensure its passage.
“We urge all lawmakers at the national and state levels to pass this crucial legislation for inclusive governance,” he said.
The Chairperson of the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum, Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, emphasised the need to mobilise nationwide support for the Reserved Seats Bill to guarantee women’s full political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Abdulrazaq, represented by Hauwa Halira, Director-General of the Forum, said:
“Nigeria’s next leap forward is only possible if women’s votes translate into seats of power.”
In her remarks, NILOWV Founder, Mrs. Esther Udehi, and President, Mrs. Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, called for intensified grassroots advocacy to promote understanding and acceptance of the Reserved Seats Bill.
The President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs. Aishatu Bura, highlighted the media’s critical role in amplifying women’s voices and promoting inclusive political discourse.
“Women’s voices matter not only at the ballot box but also in policy debates, the media, and public decision-making,” she said.
The event also featured a panel session on “Women’s Voices and the Politics of Inclusion: Leveraging Reserved Seats for Electoral Victory.”
