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Abuja — The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has inaugurated the first Community of Practice (COP) for Commissioners of Women Affairs, marking a significant step toward advancing gender equality.
In a statement by Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi
Director, Media & Strategic Communications, the the programme is also targeted at women’s empowerment, and inclusive governance across the country.
NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the initiative as “a turning point in Nigeria’s commitment to women and girls.”
“Our collective efforts have brought together dedication, resources, and strategic initiatives to make gender inclusion an essential part of governance and development at all levels,” AbdulRazaq said.
He announced the creation of a Gender Affairs Department at the NGF Secretariat and unveiled the Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment Strategic Plan (2025–2029), aligned with the National Gender Policy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
AbdulRazaq also said the Nigeria for Women Programme, initially piloted in six states, has expanded to 31 states, with Kaduna, Kwara, and Lagos leading in the adoption of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy.
“This Community of Practice will empower commissioners, gender advocates, and technical experts to collaborate, share best practices, and drive action on economic inclusion, political participation, and protection from gender-based violence,” he added.
Forum Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Inclusion
Declaring the platform open, NGF Director General, Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, said gender equity remains a core driver of development and inclusive governance.
“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,” Shittu said.
He noted that the COP would promote shared learning, accountability, and long-term coordination among states. Shittu also commended the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other partners for supporting the Forum’s vision.
Commissioners Pledge Joint Action
Dean of Commissioners of Women Affairs and Commissioner for Cross River State, Hon. Edema Irom, described the inauguration as “historic and timely.”
She said the commissioners would focus on five key priorities: full domestication of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy, stronger coordination with national and development partners, increased representation of women in leadership, expansion of the Nigeria for Women Project, and peer learning through the COP.
“Progress for women and girls is inseparable from the nation’s growth. The commitments made today represent a strong start toward a more inclusive future where women’s participation and potential are fully recognized,” she said.
NGF Outlines Gender Affairs Vision
NGF Director of Gender Affairs, Barrister Hauwa Haliru, said the COP would enhance collaboration and policy coherence across all states.
She said the platform would facilitate the exchange of best practices, promote stakeholder engagement, organize training sessions, and develop joint monitoring frameworks for gender policies.
“The COP connects commissioners, leverages shared expertise, and amplifies collective influence for measurable gender outcomes,” Haliru said.
She added that quarterly review meetings, state mentoring, and rapid response task teams will help commissioners address policy and operational challenges promptly.
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