Emma Ujah, Washington DC

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, emphasized the Nigerian government’s commitment to women empowerment as a strategy for enhancing economic development.

Speaking at the “Clear Her Way: Breaking Down Barriers to Women Economic Empowerment” event during the ongoing IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington DC, Edun stated that providing women with equal access to resources and opportunities will significantly benefit the country’s socio-economic landscape.

He highlighted that women make up 49% of Nigeria’s population and argued that empowering this demographic is crucial for national progress. “If we empower our female population and give them the same access that we have given our men, society will be better off for it,” Edun remarked, using the analogy of a plane flying on both engines for maximum efficiency.

Edun pointed out that despite existing initiatives, Nigeria still has a long way to go in fully empowering women to contribute to nation-building. He acknowledged that the national action plan for women’s economic empowerment, launched by President Bola Tinubu, demonstrates a deliberate commitment to this cause.

The minister detailed ongoing efforts, such as forming women’s groups across the country, where about 22,000 women receive training, funding, and education. These groups promote self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship through collective savings and lending.

Moreover, Edun noted that the administration is investing approximately $600 million into a digital program aimed at young people aged 15 to 35, with 30% of the funds specifically allocated for young women. This initiative includes startup capital, technology training, and skills development, further empowering women to navigate the modern economy successfully.

Edun’s statements underline the administration’s focus on integrating women into the economic framework to achieve broader national development goals.