The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to protecting the rights of widows and promoting their economic empowerment as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 International Widows’ Day.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made the commitment in a statement issued on Tuesday to mark the annual observance.
She said the theme for this year’s celebration, “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows,” underscores the urgent need to address the social, economic and legal challenges confronting widows across the country.
The minister stressed that the loss of a spouse should not subject any woman to poverty, discrimination, exclusion or deprivation of fundamental rights. She condemned harmful traditional practices often imposed on widows, including property seizure, forced remarriage, degrading mourning rites and denial of inheritance rights.
According to her, such practices violate human dignity and are punishable under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim assured that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and intensify public awareness campaigns aimed at protecting widows from abuse and injustice.
She disclosed that Nigeria has more than two million widows, many of whom face severe economic hardship and social challenges while caring for their families.
The minister highlighted several interventions introduced under the Renewed Hope Agenda to improve the welfare of widows, including access to healthcare services, vocational training, entrepreneurship support, agricultural empowerment programmes, digital skills development and financial inclusion initiatives.
She further revealed that the ministry, in partnership with Helpline Support for the Needy, facilitated the enrollment of widows into the National Health Insurance Scheme in 2025 and provided grants to support cooperative societies and small-scale businesses operated by widows.
Calling for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged traditional institutions, religious organisations, civil society groups, development partners and the private sector to join efforts in eliminating harmful widowhood practices and advancing the welfare of widows nationwide.
She reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building an inclusive society where widows can enjoy equal opportunities, economic security and a life of dignity.
International Widows’ Day is observed annually on June 23 to draw attention to the challenges faced by widows worldwide and to promote policies and actions that safeguard their rights and well-being.This version is edited in standard newspaper style with a stronger lead, improved structure, and professional news presentation.
