Nigeria and China have strengthened their partnership through the maiden Nigeria–China Women’s Infrastructure Investment Forum held in Beijing, focusing on women’s economic empowerment, inclusive development, and gender-responsive infrastructure. The event was co-hosted by the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, alongside key stakeholders from both nations.
The forum was jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Mutual Commitment Group, the China Chamber of Commerce for the Petroleum Industry (CCCPI), and the Nigeria–China Friendship Association. It brought together senior government officials, investors, and private-sector leaders from Nigeria and China to explore new opportunities for women’s development and economic cooperation.
One major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on “Enhancing the Participation of Women in Nigeria’s Gas Sector.” The agreement aims to support Nigeria’s transition to clean energy and expand access to sustainable energy for women-led enterprises and households, which aligns with global goals for renewable energy investment and women empowerment.
Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained that the MoU reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes women’s economic inclusion and social protection. She mentioned that the partnership complements other national initiatives such as the Women Agro Value Expansion (WAVE) Programme and the establishment of Safe Spaces and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across the country.
According to the Minister, the forum marks a “decisive shift from policy dialogue to measurable action,” reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to empowering women, strengthening families, and driving shared prosperity. “Through partnerships like these, we are moving from advocacy to execution. The Renewed Hope Agenda is clear — empower women, strengthen families, and create shared prosperity,” she said.
Group Managing Director of the Mutual Commitment Group, Mr. Liu Zhaolong, praised the collaboration, noting its potential for long-term development. He expressed confidence that the partnership would boost investment, promote women’s participation in energy infrastructure, and advance sustainable development goals.
Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, also lauded the Minister’s leadership and reaffirmed the National Assembly’s support for women and children’s rights. “My presence here today is a testament to the collaboration between the Executive and Legislative arms of government. We are here to offer structural assurance that every project discussed today is supported by a strong and progressive legal framework,” Ogbara stated.
Representing the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mrs. Eugenia Ojeah emphasised the importance of affirmative procurement as a strategy for inclusive growth. “This milestone seeks to empower and encourage the Nigerian woman to live her best life yet. Affirmative procurement remains a global practice for promoting inclusive participation and building stronger societies,” she said.
Ms. Ma Li of the China Chamber of Commerce also commended the Nigerian delegation and highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation in driving gender-responsive investments and infrastructure development.
The forum featured presentations from private-sector players such as Newbury Energy Ltd and Easy Sales Export, who shared insights from their work under the Ministry’s Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII 774). The initiative aims to reach 10 million women across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas through projects in agriculture, energy, digital inclusion, and family infrastructure.
Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim appreciated the Chinese government and all stakeholders for their collaboration and assured that the Ministry would ensure transparent and accountable implementation of the MoU. “These engagements are not ceremonial; they are operational blueprints for change. By investing in women, we are investing in the future of Nigeria,” she stated.