Kashim Shettima is set to launch the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) in Katsina State, with 57,432 women expected to receive direct financial support under the Community Investment Fund.
The programme, which will initially cover Daura and Funtua Local Government Areas, is aimed at expanding economic opportunities, strengthening livelihoods and supporting poor and vulnerable households.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Katsina State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Aisha Aminu Malumfashi, described the initiative as a major intervention designed to increase women’s participation in economic activities through financial assistance and community-based support.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries will be organised into Women Affinity Groups where they can build savings, access financial services, improve their businesses and connect with wider markets.
World Bank Senior Social Development Specialist and Task Team Leader for the Nigeria for Women Programme, Michael Ilesanmi, said all eligible women aged 18 and above, including persons with disabilities, can participate in the programme.
He said beneficiaries would receive support in financial literacy, enterprise development, access to finance and markets, while the programme would also promote sustainable livelihoods and help women build resilience to climate-related challenges.
Ilesanmi said Katsina State had expanded the programme from six Local Government Areas to all 34 LGAs and committed more than ₦8.5 billion in counterpart funding over the past two years.
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added that the expanded programme is expected to reach nearly 800,000 women across the state.
The initiative is being implemented through collaboration between the Federal Government, Katsina State Government, World Bank, financial institutions, communities, women’s groups and other development partners.
The official launch is expected to bring together government officials, development partners, women’s organisations and other stakeholders as Katsina begins the next phase of the women-focused economic empowerment programme.
