By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Federal Government has inaugurated a 17-member Planning Committee for the 26th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development, charging members to ensure the meeting produces practical and measurable policies that strengthen families, advance the care economy and improve the welfare of women, children and vulnerable groups across the country.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, inaugurated the committee at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs headquarters in Abuja, describing the exercise as the “official starting gun” for the National Council scheduled to hold in Jalingo, Taraba State.
She stressed that the committee’s responsibility goes beyond organising the event, urging members to focus on translating policy decisions into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
According to the minister, the theme of the council, “Strengthening Families and Advancing the Care Economy for Inclusive Development: Operationalising Nigeria’s Renewed Social Protection Architecture,” aligns with the administration’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Social Development and Families, placing households at the centre of national development and economic growth.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim disclosed that the ministry has developed more than 40 policies and guidelines aimed at formalising Nigeria’s care economy, strengthening social protection systems and protecting vulnerable citizens under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She urged the committee to ensure broad participation by relevant stakeholders, saying the council must reflect Nigeria’s diversity while delivering policies with lasting impact.
The minister also directed members to ensure that all resolutions from the council are measurable, backed by adequate funding and supported by a monitoring framework to guarantee implementation before the next council meeting.
“This is not about organising a four-day event. It is about creating a legacy,” she said, adding that the success of the council would be judged by the positive changes it brings to the lives of ordinary Nigerians rather than the quality of its ceremonies.
She further called on committee members to work collaboratively across departments, stressing that history would remember the impact of policies that create jobs for women and protect vulnerable children.
The minister congratulated members on their appointment and urged them to discharge their responsibilities with commitment and a sense of urgency.
The 17-member committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Esuabana Nko Asanye, while the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Amina Jalo, will serve as secretary.
