The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening women’s economic empowerment through agriculture. She announced that the official launch of the Women’s Agro Value Expansion (WAVE) Programme, a flagship initiative under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is set to take place soon.
Speaking at the Renewed Hope Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (RH-GEEP) Meeting in Abuja, the Minister praised the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), and other partners for their continued collaboration in advancing inclusive growth. She noted that partnerships remain central to unlocking economic opportunities for women and ensuring that no group is left behind in national development.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim stressed that women form nearly 70 percent of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce, yet they face persistent barriers such as limited access to markets, low participation in decision-making, and exclusion from agribusiness opportunities that could significantly boost their productivity. According to her, addressing these challenges is not only a step toward fairness and equity but also a strategic pathway to building food security, achieving sustainable development, and accelerating national economic growth.
She added that the WAVE Programme was designed to serve as a transformative platform that will expand women’s participation across the agricultural value chain. The initiative is expected to provide access to financing, training, technology, and networks that will enable women farmers and entrepreneurs to scale their agribusiness ventures. The Minister maintained that with the right support, women in agriculture could drive innovation, reduce poverty, and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s export earnings.
Reiterating the Federal Government’s pledge to inclusivity under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated that empowering women in agriculture is critical to realizing the broader goals of job creation and economic stability. She called for greater collaboration among stakeholders, noting that achieving success requires the active involvement of both the public and private sectors, as well as development partners.
The upcoming launch of the WAVE Programme signals a new phase in Nigeria’s approach to gender-focused agricultural development, with the Federal Government positioning women as key players in building a resilient and sustainable economy.
