By Joe Udo
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has revealed that the country requires $1.2 billion over the next five years to bridge its financing gap and meet national gender equality and social inclusion targets.
Speaking in Abuja during the annual general meeting and founder’s day celebration of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), the minister emphasised that closing the gap demands “bold partnerships and investment in women’s advancement.”
Represented by her special adviser, Ola Erinfolami, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the federal government is exploring blended finance models, public-private partnerships, and impact investments to fund programmes that support women, children, and families.
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On the Reserved Seats Bill, she commended the National Assembly for backing efforts to increase women’s political participation, describing it as a “strategic investment in democracy and national progress.”
The Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, also endorsed the bill, urging lawmakers across all levels to pass it for more inclusive governance.
Similarly, Olufolake Abdulrazaq, chairperson of the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum, represented by Hauwa Halira, called for mobilising broad support to ensure women’s full political inclusion before the 2027 general elections.
In their remarks, NILOWV founder Esther Udehi and President Irene Awunah-Ikyegh urged grassroots advocacy to boost understanding of the Reserved Seats Bill, while Aishatu Bura, President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), stressed the media’s vital role in amplifying women’s voices and driving inclusive discourse.
