In a landmark move to accelerate gender equality nationwide, the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) has officially launched the first-ever Community of Practice (COP) for Commissioners of Women Affairs from all 36 states.
Historic Launch in Abuja
The groundbreaking event took place on Tuesday in Abuja, marking what participants described as a pivotal moment in Nigeria's journey toward gender equity and inclusive governance. The NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, personally inaugurated the platform during the ceremony.
"Today we unite to further the cause of gender equality and reinforce the institutional frameworks that support women's empowerment throughout Nigeria," Governor AbdulRazaq declared in his opening address.
He emphasized that the gathering represented a significant national step forward, bringing together dedicated commissioners, resources, and strategic initiatives to make gender inclusion a fundamental aspect of governance at all levels.
Strategic Framework and Expansion
The NGF chairman revealed several critical developments supporting the gender equality agenda. A new Gender Affairs Department has been established within the NGF to strengthen subnational support for gender equality and social inclusion.
Furthermore, the Forum has developed a comprehensive Gender Equality and Women's Economic Empowerment Strategic Plan covering 2025 to 2029. This ambitious blueprint aligns with the National Gender Policy, National Women's Economic Empowerment Policy, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
"This plan outlines ambitious yet achievable targets for mainstreaming gender perspectives in governance, budget processes, and legal reforms throughout the country," Governor AbdulRazaq explained.
The Nigeria for Women Programme, initially piloted in six states, has now expanded to 31 states, demonstrating widespread acceptance and implementation across the nation. States including Kaduna, Kwara, and Lagos are leading the adoption of Women's Economic Empowerment Policy at state level, with all other states committed to domesticating the policy across Nigeria's 774 local government areas.
Collaborative Platform for National Progress
Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, Director General of the NGF, emphasized the Forum's unwavering commitment to gender equity as a core development driver during his opening remarks. "Sustainable development is impossible when half of the population is left behind," he stated, highlighting how empowering women creates a multiplier effect that strengthens households, communities, and state economies.
Dr. Shittu explained that the Community of Practice was specifically designed to encourage shared learning and joint action. "Collaboration, not isolation, is the gateway to real progress. States are doing incredible work, but exchanging lessons, aligning strategies, and building a unified voice will accelerate the impact across the country."
The Dean of Commissioners of Women Affairs and Commissioner for Cross River State, Honourable Edema Irom, described the inauguration as "historic and timely" during her keynote speech. She noted that the platform arrives when women's economic empowerment, political inclusion, and improved governance structures have become national priorities.
Commissioner Irom outlined five key commitments the commissioners will champion:
- Full domestication of the National Women's Economic Empowerment Policy
- Stronger coordination with national and development partners
- Increased representation of women in leadership positions
- Expansion of data-driven programs like the Nigeria for Women Project
- Utilization of the Community of Practice for peer learning and harmonization of state efforts
The newly established Community of Practice will serve as a collaborative vehicle empowering commissioners, gender advocates, and technical experts to address challenges, share best practices, and drive accelerated action for women's rights. The platform will specifically focus on advancing political participation, economic inclusion, protection from gender-based violence, and access to essential services across Nigeria.
