Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Gender Equality, Unveils New Initiatives at UN CSW70

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women as a key pillar for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Speaking at the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York City, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said Nigeria remains strongly aligned with global efforts to promote equality, justice, and the protection of women’s rights.

Delivering Nigeria’s national statement, the minister emphasized that the country considers women’s empowerment a cornerstone for inclusive development and equitable justice.

She highlighted the declaration of 2026 as Nigeria’s “Year of Families and Social Development,” announced under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to her, the initiative underscores the government’s belief that strengthening families is critical to empowering women, protecting children, and building cohesive communities.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that Nigeria has expanded its social protection programmes, with women constituting the majority of beneficiaries. She said the government is accelerating the implementation of the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions 774 (RHSI774), a programme aimed at boosting women’s economic empowerment through support for livelihoods, financial inclusion, clean energy, digital access, and social protection.

The minister also unveiled Nigeria’s digital innovation for women through the “Happy Woman App,” a mobile platform designed to connect more than 20 million women to information, mentorship, and economic opportunities.

She added that Nigeria is also promoting positive masculinity and developing a National Boy Child Policy to encourage inclusive social transformation.

The CSW70 meeting brings together global leaders and stakeholders to review progress and strengthen access to justice and equal rights for women and girls worldwide.