The Federal Government has inaugurated a 17-member Planning Committee for the 26th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development, with a mandate to develop practical policies that will strengthen families, deepen social protection and improve the welfare of women, children and other vulnerable groups.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ahmed Lawan Danbazau, the the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim congratulated members of the committee on their appointment and urged them to carry out their responsibilities with diligence, commitment and a shared resolve to advance national development.
Inaugurating the committee at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Abuja, the Minister said the exercise marks the commencement of preparations for the Council, which will be hosted in Jalingo, Taraba State.
She said the committee’s assignment goes beyond planning the event, stressing that the Council must produce actionable resolutions capable of addressing the needs of women, families and vulnerable citizens across the country.
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,” reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to placing the family at the centre of national development.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that the theme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Social Development and Families, aimed at promoting economic growth, social stability, gender equality and inclusive development.
She disclosed that the ministry has developed over 40 policies and strategic frameworks designed to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection system, formalise the care economy and improve support for vulnerable groups under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister urged the committee to ensure broad stakeholder participation in the planning process to guarantee that the Council’s resolutions reflect the aspirations of Nigerians and translate into tangible benefits.
She also directed members to establish an effective monitoring mechanism to ensure that decisions reached at the Council are adequately funded, implemented and evaluated before the next meeting.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasised that the success of the Council would be judged by the impact of its resolutions rather than the quality of its ceremonies, adding that expanding opportunities for women, improving child protection and enhancing family welfare should remain key priorities.
The committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, while the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Amina Jalo, will serve as secretary.
