Vice President Kashim Shettima has launched the disbursement of the Community Investment Fund (CIF) in Katsina State under the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project (NFWP-SU). The programme aims to strengthen women's businesses, increase household incomes, and promote financial inclusion. Shettima emphasized that the success of the programme should be measured by its impact on businesses and households. The initiative targets over 40,000 women in Katsina State who have fulfilled the prescribed eligibility conditions.
Shettima stressed that eligibility must remain the basis of access to the fund without favouritism or political interference. He also emphasized the importance of proper documentation of each transaction and prompt response to questions. The Vice President's visit to Katsina included inspecting a quarter guard mounted by men of the Nigeria Air Force at the Katsina airport. During his visit, he is also expected to commission three major road projects and launch 30 CNG hybrid buses and 200 electric tricycles.
Governor Umaru Dikko Radda stated that his government has committed ₦8 billion to the programme to support additional funding from the World Bank. He noted that access to finance must be accompanied by knowledge, skills, market opportunities, and institutional support required to sustain economic growth. The Katsina State government believes that the initiative will deepen women's participation in economic activities through direct financial assistance and community-based support structures.
Under the project, beneficiaries will be organised into Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), where they will build savings, access financial and non-financial services, strengthen their businesses, and connect to wider markets. The programme is designed to promote financial inclusion and increase household incomes. The Vice President's launch of the programme marks the commencement of the disbursement process.
The Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project (NFWP-SU) is aimed at empowering women economically. The programme's design includes organizing beneficiaries into WAGs to foster a sense of community and cooperation. This approach is expected to enhance the programme's impact and sustainability.
The Katsina State government is optimistic that the initiative will have a positive impact on the state's economy. The programme's focus on women's economic empowerment aligns with the government's efforts to promote economic growth and development. The launch of the programme is a significant milestone in the state's efforts to support women's economic empowerment.
The Vice President's visit to Katsina and the launch of the programme demonstrate the federal government's commitment to supporting women's economic empowerment. The programme's success will be measured by its impact on businesses and households, and its sustainability will depend on proper implementation and monitoring.
Key points
- Over 40,000 women in Katsina State are set to receive business capital under the Community Investment Fund.
- The Katsina State government has committed ₦8 billion to the programme to support additional funding from the World Bank.
- The programme aims to promote financial inclusion and increase household incomes among women in Katsina State.
