The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development today reconvened the Presidential High-Level Advisory Council (P-HLAC) on the Support of Women and Girls in Nigeria at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, reaffirming the Federal Government’s strong commitment to advancing gender equality, equity, and empowerment across all levels of governance under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
In her welcome address, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI, described the reconvening as “a defining moment for reflection, reaffirmation, and recommitment to coordinated national action.” She emphasized that the gathering represents not just a meeting, but a bold step toward ensuring that every Nigerian woman and girl can “dream, learn, earn, and lead with dignity.”
Speaking to a distinguished audience comprising Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Members of the National Assembly, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Traditional and Faith Leaders, Development Partners, and Civil Society, the Minister noted that while Nigeria has made commendable progress, much remains to be done to break systemic barriers that hinder the full participation of women and girls in nation-building.
Quoting recent statistics, she lamented that women make up over half of Nigeria’s population but only 33% of the labour force and less than 10% of board or senior management positions. She further highlighted the high rates of child marriage, gender-based violence, and maternal mortality, describing these not merely as social issues but “economic losses and unrealised potential that collectively slow our march toward inclusive prosperity.”
To address these challenges, the Minister unveiled the Strategic Roadmap for the Advancement of Women, Children, Families, and the Vulnerable, anchored on nine key programmes under the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention 774, with an estimated ₦1.6 trillion financing requirement over the next five years. This roadmap, she stated, aligns national priorities with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and focuses on women’s economic empowerment, social protection, digital inclusion, and child wellbeing.
Highlighting the operational framework of the Council, the Minister explained that the P-HLAC—approved by the Federal Executive Council in December 2022—serves as the government’s delivery mechanism to translate commitments into measurable outcomes. The Council comprises high-level decision-makers from government, private sector, civil society, and youth constituencies, working through four thematic subcommittees:
- Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE)
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Women’s Health
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Women’s Rights and Safety
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Women in Political and Public Leadership
She commended the co-chairs and partners for their dedication, while calling for stronger political ownership, activation of subcommittees, and reinforcement of the P-HLAC Secretariat to drive results and accountability.
“The success of this Council will not be measured by how many meetings we hold, but by how many lives we change, how many state budgets reflect our priorities, and how often our work shapes decisions that improve the lives of women and girls,” the Minister declared.
She also appreciated the Nigeria Governors’ Forum for championing the domestication of the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy at state level—an initiative she described as “a defining step in bringing empowerment home to communities where women live, work, and lead.”
The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, who expressed deep gratitude to all Council members, partners, and technical experts for their invaluable contributions.
Dr. Keshinro commended the Honourable Minister for her visionary leadership and tireless advocacy, describing her as “an inspiring force whose passion and integrity continue to propel the national agenda for women’s advancement.” She also acknowledged the efforts of the organizing team and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to ensuring that the Council’s resolutions translate into sustainable action.
“As we embark on this transformative journey together, let us carry forward this momentum with a spirit of collaboration and determination. Together, we will leave a lasting legacy of empowerment for women and girls across Nigeria,” the Permanent Secretary stated.
The reconvening of the P-HLAC marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s gender equality drive—anchored on accountability, partnership, and measurable impact—toward a nation where every woman and girl can thrive, lead, and contribute fully to the nation’s prosperity.
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