The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has inaugurated the maiden Community of Practice (COP) for Commissioners of Women Affairs, marking what leaders described as a major national step toward strengthening gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive governance across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the gathering represents a turning point in Nigeria’s commitment to women and girls. He opened his remarks by extending warm greetings on behalf of the Forum, noting, “It is my pleasure to extend greetings from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum as we gather for this significant occasion.”
He described the inauguration as “a remarkable milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls,” adding that, “Our collective efforts have brought together dedication, resources, and strategic initiatives to make gender inclusion an essential component of governance and development at all levels.”
The chairman emphasized the united purpose behind the day’s agenda. “Today we unite to further the cause of gender equality and reinforce the institutional frameworks that support women’s empowerment throughout Nigeria,” he said.
He highlighted the collaborative role of the states, noting, “This event marks an important step forward as Commissioners of Women Affairs from every state come together, pooling their expertise and determination to pursue a shared vision for lasting progress.”
Governor AbdulRazaq announced the establishment of a new Gender Affairs Department within the NGF to strengthen subnational support for gender equality and social inclusion. He also unveiled the Forum’s new strategic direction. “We have developed a comprehensive Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment Strategic Plan 2025 to 2029, which is aligned with the National Gender Policy, the National WEE Policy, and the Sustainable Development Goals. This plan outlines ambitious yet achievable targets for mainstreaming gender perspectives in governance, budget processes, and legal reforms throughout the country.”
Reaffirming the NGF’s role in scaling national programmes, he said, “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has integrated the Nigeria for Women Programme into state-level plans and priorities. Initially piloted in six states, the program has now expanded its operations to 31 states, reflecting widespread acceptance and implementation across Nigeria.”
He applauded leading states, stating, “The adoption of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy at the state level continues to gain momentum, with states such as Kaduna, Kwara, and Lagos leading the way. All other states are committed to domesticating the policy, ensuring inclusion and empowerment in every one of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.”
Governor AbdulRazaq described the new Community of Practice as a vehicle for nationwide progress. “This new collaborative platform is designed to empower Commissioners, gender advocates, and technical experts to join forces in addressing challenges, sharing best practices, and driving accelerated actions for women’s rights.” He noted that the COP will drive action on political participation, economic inclusion, protection from gender-based violence, and access to essential services.
He closed by thanking all partners and reaffirming the NGF’s commitment. “I extend my gratitude to the Commissioners, state teams, and all our partners for your steadfast dedication. As Chairman of the NGF, we will continue to break down barriers and foster enduring change for every woman and girl across Nigeria. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum remains steadfast in its commitment that no woman or girl will be left behind.”
He ended with optimism for the journey ahead. “Together, we will shape the next chapter of Nigeria’s journey toward gender equality. Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Declaring the platform open, the Director General of the NGF, Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to gender equity as a core driver of development. “I am truly pleased to officially open the inaugural Community of Practice for Commissioners of Women Affairs in Nigeria,” he said. “The NGF remains strongly committed to strengthening gender equity, inclusive governance, and the economic empowerment of women across all states. Sustainable development is impossible when half of the population is left behind, and empowering women creates a multiplier effect that strengthens households, communities, and state economies.”
Dr. Shittu explained that the COP was designed to encourage shared learning and joint action. “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,” he said.
He described the platform as a long-term mechanism for institutional strengthening. “The NGF sees the Community of Practice as an ecosystem designed to support long-term capacity building and improve accountability for gender outcomes,” he said. He also acknowledged the role of development partners, noting, “We appreciate the partnership of the Gates Foundation and all our development collaborators who have supported this vision. The work ahead requires resolve, coordination, and commitment, but with this platform, we have taken a major step forward.”
Delivering the keynote address, the Dean of Commissioners of Women Affairs and Commissioner for Cross River State, Honourable Edema Irom, called the inauguration “historic and timely.” She explained that it comes at a time when “women’s economic empowerment, political inclusion, and improved governance structures are national priorities.”
She outlined five commitments the commissioners will champion: 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 data-driven programmes such as the Nigeria for Women Project, and the use of the Community of Practice for peer learning and harmonization of state efforts.
“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.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Gender Affairs at the NGF Secretariat, Barrister Hauwa Haliru, described the COP as “a collaborative platform established to enhance gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive governance across all states.” She explained that it creates a space for commissioners to “learn from one another, share best practices, and collectively address shared challenges and opportunities in policy design, implementation, and advocacy for women and girls.”
She added, “By fostering this network under the leadership of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat and in collaboration with the Dean of Women Affairs Commissioners, the COP aims to drive measurable progress on subnational gender priorities.”
On its vision, Haliru said the COP is “a national platform that accelerates results, peer learning, advocacy, and coordinated leadership for advancing women’s economic empowerment, because the platform connects commissioners, leverages shared expertise, and amplifies collective influence.”
She detailed the objectives of the COP, noting that it will facilitate the exchange of best practices and policy lessons, organize trainings, drive coherence in gender-related policies, promote collaboration with key stakeholders, develop joint monitoring strategies, and showcase innovative solutions for tackling emerging issues.
On the platform’s effectiveness, she said the commissioners will “advocate as a group, shaping the national agenda and donor engagement,” with dedicated sessions for troubleshooting, peer learning, and adopting practical solutions. She highlighted key activities such as knowledge sharing sessions, quarterly review meetings, state-to-state mentoring, and rapid response task teams for policy and operational needs.
Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi
Director, Media & Strategic communications, NGF
Email: yabdullahi@ngf.org.ng
