The World Bank has disbursed N492 million to 41 women’s groups in Niger State to enhance rice processing activities. Each group received N12 million through the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP), with the funds presented by Sarki Bello, the program’s state coordinator.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the initiative as a transformative milestone, commending its integration of childcare facilities at the processing centers. A creche, funded by the World Bank, has been constructed on-site, with plans to upgrade it to a primary healthcare center.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim hailed the project as a “beacon of hope” and a symbol of progress for Nigerian women. She noted that the NFWP, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, addresses systemic barriers to women’s economic participation, balancing work and childcare needs.
Michael Ilesanmi, representing the World Bank Country Director, emphasized the project’s impact on empowering women, improving household welfare, and boosting local economies. He highlighted the processing centers’ capacity to produce two tonnes of rice daily across 29 factories in the state.
Governor Mohammed Bago pledged continued support for women’s empowerment, noting its ripple effect on families and communities. He thanked the Minister for her commitment to the initiative.
The Minister and other stakeholders lauded the NFWP’s role in reducing gender-based violence, enhancing family cohesion, and fostering community development.
