Lagos takes steps to implement National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy

The Lagos State Government has initiated a nine-member committee to implement the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy (WEE) locally, as part of its strategic efforts to enhance access for women and girls in the state.

During a meeting with a delegation from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), the Lagos State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecelia Dada, discussed the state’s plan to adopt the WEE policy.

This policy, launched in 2023, aims to provide financial inclusion, gender mainstreaming, access to opportunities and markets, skills acquisition, and to close gaps hindering women’s development in Nigeria.

Mrs. Dada expressed gratitude to NIPSS and dRPC for choosing Lagos as one of the pilot states for this initiative, aligning with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision for gender inclusion and economic empowerment.

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She emphasized the need to adapt the national policy to guide local implementation and announced the immediate formation of a committee to drive this process.

Permanent Secretary Yemi Kalesanwo reiterated the ministry’s commitment to the policy, stressing that it aims to significantly improve the lives and livelihoods of women in Lagos State. This commitment, she stated, reassures stakeholders of the effective future implementation of the policy.

Professor Ayo Omotayo, Director-General of NIPSS, highlighted that the visit was part of ongoing advocacy to discuss actionable steps for the WEE policy’s state-level adoption.

He mentioned that NIPSS and dRPC are collaborating with seven states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to support the policy’s domestication over the next two years, with plans to expand this support to additional states thereafter.

dRPC Director of Projects, Stanley Ukpai, praised the Lagos State government for its innovative and inclusive governance approach.