By Mariya Shuaibu Suleiman The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has inaugurated the Federal Steering Committee for the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), a World Bank-assisted initiative to expand women’s economic opportunities and financial inclusion across Nigeria. Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the minister described women’s economic empowerment as “the engine room of peace, development, and human progress,” noting that the Federal Government has endorsed the programme’s Terms of Reference and work plan for nationwide implementation. The scale-up builds on the success of the 2018–2024 pilot phase and will now cover all 36 states and the FCT. Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the initiative integrates financial inclusion, livelihood support, and social protection to strengthen women’s access to finance, markets, and public services. She lamented that 70% of Nigerian women live in extreme poverty, especially in rural areas, and said the programme aims to change that by reaching about four million women, advancing gender equality and social stability. Although initially delayed by 18 months, the Scale-Up phase has now taken off in 18 states, aligning with the National Women Economic Empowerment Policy and the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. The minister called for synergy among relevant ministries and agencies, including Agriculture, Health, Finance, and SMEDAN, to ensure success. Representing the Ministers of Finance and Budget, Permanent Secretary Raymond Omachi said the programme would deepen accountability and ensure no woman is left behind. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs , Dr. Maryam Ismail Keshinro, described the inauguration as a milestone for women’s empowerment, while National Project Coordinator of the NFWP-SU, Dr. Hadiza Maina outlined state participation criteria — including the adoption of the VAPP Act, establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centres, and legal recognition of Women Savings Groups. Launched in 2018, the Nigeria for Women Programme has supported thousands of women through access to finance, entrepreneurship training, and Women Affinity Groups. The Scale-Up phase will extend its reach nationwide, strengthening social protection and promoting gender equality.