Precious Ademiloye
The Women in Energy Network (WIEN) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic participation and clean energy access following a strategic engagement with Hon Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs.
WIEN during the visit commended the Minister for her leadership in repositioning Nigerian women as integral contributors to national development and economic prosperity.
The Network emphasized that Nigeria cannot achieve its energy security and economic growth objectives while half of its population remains underutilized.
The Minister highlighted the Ministry’s grassroots LPG penetration initiative, aimed at transitioning more women across Nigeria to cleaner cooking fuels and sustainable energy solutions.
WIEN welcomed the initiative and pledged industry support to expand awareness, mobilize stakeholders, and strengthen access pathways for women, particularly in underserved communities. The Network noted that clean cooking solutions are both a public health priority and a critical economic empowerment tool.
WIEN also commended the Minister for her instrumental role in ensuring that Bola Tinubu designates 2026 as the Year of the Family and Social Development.
The Network acknowledged the strategic importance of strengthening families as the foundation of national productivity, social stability, and economic transformation.
Empowered households, WIEN noted, translate into stronger communities and a more resilient national economy.
WIEN expressed full support and strategic alignment with the Ministry in advancing the 2026 agenda.
In response to WIEN’s advocacy on designated funding for women-owned businesses, Minister disclosed that the Federal Government is working on a Social Impact Fund designed to improve access to finance for women and female entrepreneurs.
The Fund is structured as a revolving financing model aimed at building sustainable capacity rather than providing short-term relief. It is intended to support women in scaling their businesses, acquiring assets, and becoming stronger contributors to national development and family stability.
WIEN welcomed the initiative and reiterated its readiness to collaborate on awareness, industry alignment, and structured implementation.
The Minister reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to advancing women’s inclusion across governance and economic activity, including advocacy for at least 35% participation in public appointments and contracting opportunities.
WIEN emphasized that inclusion must translate into measurable economic participation, access to capital, leadership representation, and business growth.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Nigeria’s energy and economic landscape is not a symbolic agenda — it is a strategic national imperative tied to competitiveness, capital formation, and long-term prosperity.
