Vice President Kashim Shettima has launched the disbursement of the Community Investment Fund (CIF) to over 40,000 women in Katsina State. The initiative, under the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project (NFWP-SU), aims to provide women with greater access to capital, training, and productive resources. Shettima emphasized that economic reforms must go beyond macroeconomic indicators to improve the earning capacity of ordinary Nigerians.
Shettima, who spoke at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, stated that the success of the Federal Government's economic reforms must be reflected in stronger businesses and improved household incomes. He stressed that national policy must be connected to the circumstances of traders, producers, and service providers. The Vice President said the beneficiaries had met prescribed eligibility conditions and demonstrated satisfactory performance in savings and group activities.
The Vice President noted that inadequate financing should no longer limit the ambitions of women entrepreneurs. He said, "We owe these women an economy worthy of their labour. They have carried heavy responsibilities with limited means; their ambition should now have more room to flourish." Shettima also urged beneficiaries to maintain proper business records, distinguish between revenue and profit, and carefully manage the funds entrusted to them.
The CIF combines savings and lending through Women Affinity Groups with training and financial literacy. Shettima emphasized that access to money without the requisite knowledge would not necessarily produce sustainable businesses. He charged officials administering the scheme to ensure that access to the fund was based strictly on eligibility, without favouritism or political interference.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda announced that the state government had committed an additional N4 billion to the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up, bringing its total financial commitment to N8 billion. Radda said the intervention would expand economic opportunities for women and improve their livelihoods. He also noted the inclusion of women living with hearing impairment through the formation of affinity groups.
World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Matthew Verghis, commended the Federal and Katsina State governments for addressing the economic needs of women through empowerment initiatives. He called on the private sector, community leaders, and traditional institutions to support efforts to expand economic opportunities. Verghis noted that Nigerian women were already making significant contributions across sectors of the economy, but closing gender gaps would require deliberate action.
In addition to the fund launch, Shettima inaugurated 32 compressed natural gas-powered buses and 200 electric-powered tricycles under the Katsina State Comprehensive Urban Renewal Programme. The initiative aims to improve traffic flow, connectivity, and urban mobility in the state capital. The Vice President's visit to Katsina State underscores the Federal Government's commitment to empowering women and promoting economic growth.
Key points
- The Vice President launched the Community Investment Fund to provide financial support to over 40,000 women in Katsina State.
- Shettima emphasized that economic reforms must strengthen businesses and improve household incomes.
- The initiative aims to expand economic opportunities for women and promote financial independence.
