The Katsina State Government has announced an N8 billion funding plan to scale up the Nigeria for Women Programme (NFWP) across all 34 local government areas of the state, targeting 41,000 Women Affinity Groups.
The Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, disclosed this on Thursday while representing Governor Dikko Umaru Radda at the Presidential Launch of the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.
Malam Lawal explained that the World Bank currently supports the implementation of the programme in three local government areas with N500 million counterpart funding provided by the Katsina State Government. He added that the state has paid an additional N4 billion to extend the programme to the remaining 31 local government areas.
According to him, another N4 billion has been appropriated in the 2026 approved budget to further increase the number of beneficiaries. “The State Government took a deliberate decision to scale up the NFWP model statewide using the World Bank-approved implementation strategies. This will ensure consistency, transparency, and sustainability across all local government areas,” the Deputy Governor stated.
He noted that the programme is currently being implemented in Katsina, Daura, and Funtua local government areas, focusing on improving the livelihoods of vulnerable women through collective action, financial inclusion, skills development, and access to productive assets.
Malam Lawal said the three World Bank-supported local government areas will have 10,000 Women Affinity Groups, while the remaining 31 local government areas will have 1,000 groups each, bringing the total to 41,000 groups.
The Deputy Governor emphasized that economic empowerment of women contributes to reduced insecurity and social vulnerability. “Empowered women invest in peace within their households and communities. They are better positioned to guide and nurture their children, instilling positive values, discipline, and resilience in those who will become the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
He added that empowered women are more committed to supporting their children’s education, ensuring school attendance, reducing dropout rates, and strengthening human capital development nationwide across communities in the state.
Malam Lawal disclosed that the state government is linking the Women Affinity Groups to the State Health Insurance Scheme to ensure that participating women and members of their households have access to affordable healthcare. “By reducing out-of-pocket health expenditures, women can reinvest more of their income into productive activities, nutrition, and education, thereby strengthening household resilience,” he explained.
He described the integrated approach combining livelihoods, health protection, education support, and community ownership as effective and sustainable.
Malam Lawal commended the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the World Bank for their leadership and partnership, and reaffirmed Katsina State’s commitment to sustaining the Nigeria for Women Programme.
“Empowering women is not only a social intervention; it is a strategic investment in security, economic stability, and national development,” the Deputy Governor stated.
