Federal Government releases lists of ongoing women empowerment programmes

The Federal Government has highlighted several ongoing women empowerment programmes designed to support women across Nigeria through business development, agriculture, energy access, mobility support, and financing opportunities.

The initiatives were announced by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, during activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day and the pre-Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) briefing in Abuja.

According to the Minister, the programmes form part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises women’s economic participation, family stability, and national development. She explained that the initiatives are structured to expand economic opportunities for women across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

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Major Ongoing Women Empowerment Programmes

Several large-scale initiatives were highlighted during the briefing:

1. Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions 774 (RHSII-774)

Described as the largest coordinated women empowerment initiative in Nigeria

Designed to support women across the 774 local government areas

Visit RH-WAVE 774 Women Agro-Value Expansion (WAVE) Programme to learn more and start your application before the portal closes.

2. EmpowerHer774 Programme

Supports women’s livelihoods nationwide

Provides business support, training, mentorship, and access to financial opportunities

Helps women start or expand small businesses

Visit Federal Government Financial and Digital Literacy EmpowerHer Program launched by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in with Kudimata Nig Ltd to learn more and submit your application today.

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3. Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (World Bank Supported)

Implemented in partnership with state governments and the World Bank

Expected to reach about 4.5 million women

Organises women into nearly 300,000 economic collectives

Focuses on financial independence, savings groups, and access to credit

Visit the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up to learn more and apply.

4. Women Agro-Value Expansion (WAVE) Programme

Supports women involved in agriculture and agribusiness

Provides training, production tools, market access, and agribusiness opportunities

Encourages women to move from subsistence farming to profitable agricultural enterprises

Application is ongoing, visit Federal Government Women Agro-Value Expansion (WAVE) Programme to learn about the program and apply before the portal closes.

Energy and Mobility Initiatives

The government is also expanding women’s participation in emerging sectors such as energy and transportation.

Key programmes include:

PowerHer774 – Expands women’s participation in Nigeria’s energy economy

• Women in Gas (WINGs) – Promotes clean energy entrepreneurship through gas distribution and clean cooking businesses
• Women-on-Wheels – Implemented with CREDICORP, providing mobility assets for logistics and transport businesses owned by women

Interested applicants should visit the Federal Government Energy Economy Empowerment for Women in Gas and Wheels via CREDICORP to learn more and apply.

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Access to Finance and Digital Support

Financial inclusion remains a major part of the government’s empowerment strategy.

Key financial initiatives include:

• ₦500 billion financing programme targeted at women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)
• Happy Woman App, a digital platform designed to connect women with government programmes, funding opportunities, and empowerment resources
• Affirmative procurement policies through the Bureau of Public Procurement to increase women’s participation in government contracts

Social Protection and Policy Support

The government also highlighted broader policies designed to protect and support women and families.

Social protection programmes currently reach about 9.4 million households, with women accounting for nearly 70% of beneficiaries

All 36 states and the FCT have domesticated the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act

Additional initiatives include:

1. A Nutrition Department within the Ministry of Women Affairs

2. A revised National Child Protection Policy

3. The National Action Plan to End Violence Against Children

4. Support from Development Partners

International organisations have also pledged support for Nigeria’s women empowerment agenda.

UNFPA, UN Women, and other development partners highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing gender equality.

Economic leaders emphasised that women empowerment drives national productivity, strengthens families, and promotes long-term economic growth.

Through programmes covering entrepreneurship, agriculture, energy, finance, and social protection, the Federal Government says it is expanding opportunities for women and positioning them as a major driver of Nigeria’s economic development.

You can also check out more opportunities you are eligible to apply for on the Federal Government Initiative Category, Latest Grant Collection Category, and Job and Career Opportunity Desk.