Abuja: The Federal Government has announced plans to transition one million households from firewood-based cooking to clean and sustainable energy solutions. This initiative was revealed by the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, during a citizen’s engagement news conference marking her 100 days in office.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized that the initiative aims to promote gender-responsive climate action. She noted that Nigeria’s participation in COP29 in Azerbaijan allowed the country to engage with the international community on integrating women’s voices and leadership into climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. The transition to cleaner energy is part of broader efforts to empower, protect, and uplift women, girls, and vulnerable populations.
The minister further outlined the government’s strategy to economically empower 10 million women by 2027, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion economy. This vision includes the
implementation of the World Bank-supported ‘Nigeria for Women Scale-Up Project,’ which targets 4.5 million women nationwide. Through financial literacy and business development programs, women will receive tools to establish sustainable enterprises and contribute to economic growth.
Additionally, the MOWA-SARA Accelerated Skills Acquisition Programme, in collaboration with WEMA Bank, aims to train 500,000 women in vocational skills and business entrepreneurship. The first phase of this program is currently training 2,500 women in Kano State. To further support women entrepreneurs, the ministry plans to establish a National Microfinance Framework, providing affordable credit and investment opportunities.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also highlighted a food intervention program designed to financially empower women and vulnerable groups amid economic hardships. This program includes direct food assistance and support for women-led agricultural initiatives. Furthermore, a nationwide campaign aims to provide menstrual hygi
ene kits to 10,000 young girls, promoting school attendance and ending period poverty.
Reflecting on her first 100 days in office, Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted the progress made through strategic partnerships and impactful decisions. However, she acknowledged the ongoing challenges and reaffirmed her commitment to transforming the lives of women and children in Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Sa’id-Ahmad, urged women to seize available opportunities for empowerment, praising Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s efforts in supporting Nigerian women’s aspirations. She highlighted challenges such as early marriages and teenage pregnancies, expressing confidence in the Minister of Women Affairs’ ability to address these issues.