Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has warned that Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy is unattainable without the full inclusion of women and vulnerable groups.
Speaking at the Gender and Inclusion Summit 2025 in Abuja, she stressed that despite women constituting over half of Nigeria’s population and owning 43% of MSMEs, only 9% have access to formal credit.
She listed underrepresentation in leadership, out-of-school girls in rural areas, and weak social protection systems as critical barriers to national growth.
She highlighted ongoing programmes under the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions – 774, as well as plans for a National Care Economy Framework, designed to unlock women’s productivity and strengthen families.
The minister also backed the Special Seats Bill for Women, noting that female representation in governance drives greater investment in education, health, and social protection.
Other speakers, including leaders of the Policy Innovation Centre and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, reaffirmed commitment to inclusive growth.
In Ibadan, neurologist Dr Temitope Farombi urged the federal government to fully implement the 35% affirmative action for women, both in parliament and executive appointments, in line with the Maputo Protocol.