In a significant move to bolster women’s economic empowerment, the Katsina State Government has officially inaugurated a high-level State Technical Committee (STC) to oversee the implementation of the Nigeria for Women Programme (NFWP) Scale-Up Project. This initiative marks a pivotal step in translating policy into tangible action for women across the state.
The inauguration ceremony, presided over by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Aisha Aminu-Malumfashi, underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive development. The commissioner framed the committee’s launch not merely as a bureaucratic formality, but as a foundational act to “strengthen women’s economic empowerment” and position them as “key drivers of sustainable development” in line with the state’s broader vision.
Beyond a Committee: A Multi-Sectoral Engine for Change
The composition of the 12-member STC reveals the project’s ambitious, integrated approach. Chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Alhaji Nura Murtala, the committee is deliberately structured to break down governmental silos. Its membership spans critical sectors:
- Economic Pillars: Ministries of Commerce/Industry, Agriculture, and Finance.
- Human Development: Ministries of Health, and Basic and Secondary Education.
- Planning & Infrastructure: Ministries of Budget and Economic Planning, and Water Resources.
- Implementation Agencies: The Katsina State Development Management Board (KTDMB) and the Katsina State Enterprises and Development Agency (KASEDA).
This cross-governmental architecture is crucial. It ensures that interventions for women are not isolated to a single ministry but are woven into agricultural policy, health outreach, educational programs, and business development plans. For example, a woman gaining access to a micro-loan through NFWP (handled by Finance/Commerce) might also receive training on modern farming techniques (Agriculture) and literacy classes (Education).
The NFWP Scale-Up: From Theory to Practical Impact
While the original announcement outlines goals, the deeper value lies in understanding what the NFWP Scale-Up entails on the ground. The project is a World Bank-supported initiative that operates through the establishment of Women Affinity Groups (WAGs). These groups serve as a platform for:
- Social Capital Building: Women come together regularly, fostering trust and collective action.
- Financial Inclusion: Groups save collectively, gaining access to seed grants and linkages to formal financial services—a critical barrier for many women in rural areas.
- Life Skills Training: Members receive education on nutrition, health, gender norms, and financial literacy.
- Livelihood Opportunities: The project connects women to markets, value chains, and business development skills.
The STC’s role is to create the enabling environment for these WAGs to thrive by aligning state resources, policies, and programs. The commissioner’s charge for “diligence, dedication, and a high sense of accountability” speaks to the need for this committee to be a proactive driver, not a passive oversight body.
Challenges and the Path Forward
In his acceptance speech, STC Chairman Alhaji Nura Murtala pledged to ensure “successful implementation” and “fully engage” all agencies. The true test will be in navigating the common challenges of such projects: ensuring benefits reach the poorest and most marginalized women in rural communities, mitigating potential social backlash against changing gender economic roles, and sustaining momentum beyond the project’s funding cycle.
The inauguration in Katsina is a promising development. If the newly formed State Technical Committee leverages its multi-sectoral mandate to coordinate effectively, address systemic barriers, and foster genuine community-led development, the NFWP Scale-Up has the potential to be a transformative force. It could serve as a replicable model for how state machinery can be orchestrated to deliver concrete, empowering results for women, ultimately contributing to more resilient families and a more prosperous Katsina State. The committee’s work, now begun, will be measured by the improved livelihoods and expanded opportunities of the women it serves.
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
