By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation ,CREDICORP, has launched the 10,000 Women in Mobility Scheme, a nationwide initiative aimed at expanding women’s access to economic opportunities in the transport and mobility sector.

The programme is designed to empower 10,000 women across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory ,FCT, with access to mobility assets, including vehicles, tricycles (popularly known as keke), and motorcycles.

By enabling women to participate in transportation, logistics, delivery services, and other mobility-related businesses, the scheme seeks to promote financial independence and strengthen women’s contribution to the economy.

Speaking at the launch and handover of vehicles to beneficiaries, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasised the need to open up economic spaces for women as a pathway to building creditworthiness and long-term financial stability.

She disclosed that the Abuja pilot phase of the programme benefited 1,000 women, adding that the initiative would be scaled up nationwide to reach 10,000 beneficiaries.

The minister commended the Managing Director of CREDICORP, Engr. Uzoma Nwagba, for driving inclusive access to consumer credit and translating policy objectives into concrete economic opportunities for women.

According to her, the scheme underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to dismantling structural barriers that have historically limited women’s participation in key sectors of the economy.

She noted that ownership and operation of mobility assets would not only provide sustainable livelihoods for women but also help them build credible financial records that can unlock future access to credit.

In an interview with journalists, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said economic empowerment of women delivers far-reaching benefits for families, communities, and the nation.

She added that strengthening women’s participation in economic activities is critical to achieving the administration’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council ,NADDC, Oluwemimo Osanipin; and the National President of the National Council for Women Societies ,NCWS, Princess Edna Azura.

They described the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that it would broaden women’s participation in the mobility and transport sector.

The speakers said the programme aligns with national priorities on decent work, industrial development, and gender inclusion, while urging beneficiaries to use the opportunity responsibly to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to economic growth.

Earlier, the Managing Director of CREDICORP, Engr. Uzoma Nwagba, described the scheme as a practical step towards expanding financial inclusion and deepening Nigeria’s consumer credit ecosystem.

He explained that the corporation is partnering with key stakeholders to integrate financing, asset provision, training, and business support, ensuring that beneficiaries are equipped not just to access credit but to succeed in their mobility enterprises.

He assured that CREDICORP would continue to work with relevant partners to guarantee transparency, sustainability, and nationwide impact of the programme.

Beneficiaries, including Jemila Abdulkadir, Christiana Michael, Maryam Adamu, Sakinat Lawan, and Maryam Abawu, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and CREDICORP, describing the initiative as timely and life-changing.

They said the scheme would enable them to achieve financial independence, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to the economy, while pledging to use the assets responsibly and adhere strictly to the repayment terms.