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The Katsina State Government has invested N8 billion to scale up the Nigeria for Women Programme across all 34 local government areas of the state.
The Deputy Governor, 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 on
Malam Lawal explained that while the World Bank supports implementation in three local government areas with N500 million counterpart funding from the state, the government has paid an additional N4 billion to expand the programme to the remaining 31 local government areas.
He added that another N4 billion has been appropriated in the 2026 approved budget to 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.
According to him, 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 across the state.
Malam Lawal emphasized that when women are economically empowered, there is a noticeable decline in 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.
The Deputy Governor disclosed that the state government is deliberately 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 both effective and sustainable.
Malam Lawal commended the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the World Bank for their leadership and partnership.
He reaffirmed Katsina State’s commitment to sustaining and deepening the impact of 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.
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