Dear Distinguished Delegates,
- When a nation moves as one, its voice carries farther, its impact endures longer, and its purpose becomes unmistakable. It is in this spirit that I extend my sincere appreciation to the Nigerian Delegation to the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), held in New York from 9th to 19th March, 2026.
- Your discipline, professionalism, and shared sense of mission positioned Nigeria not merely as a participant, but as a decisive and credible voice in advancing global commitments on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
- I am especially proud of the strength and coherence of our collective engagement. Through the presentation of Nigeria’s Country Statement, our contribution to the African Group’s Voluntary Country Statement alongside Egypt and Namibia, and our active participation across engagements with the Republic of Serbia, African Union, ECOWAS, United Nations agencies, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), as well as bilateral and multilateral dialogues and numerous side events, Nigeria’s voice was consistently clear, strategic, and impactful.
- Your visible and overwhelming presence in strong numbers at each of my engagements was both remarkable and deeply strategic. By consistently showing up, standing together, and reinforcing our positions in every session, you projected unity, strength, and national coherence. This collective presence not only amplified Nigeria’s voice, but also enhanced the credibility, reception, and influence of our interventions across platforms.
- This success was further strengthened by the valued support of the Presidency, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the American Embassy in Nigeria, whose collaboration significantly enhanced our effectiveness and presence at CSW70.
- We deeply appreciate the visionary leadership of H.E. Mr. President, whose grand agenda for Nigeria’s socio-economic ecosystem continues to drive a bold pathway toward a $1 trillion, inclusive and resilient economy that leaves no one behind. Through the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention (RH-SII-774), this vision is being translated into tangible impact across all 774 Local Government Areas; empowering women, children, strengthening families, expanding access to social services, and uplifting vulnerable communities through coordinated, community-driven and data-informed interventions. This transformative framework stands as a testament to a governance approach that is not only people-centered, but firmly committed to delivering measurable change at the grassroots.
- I extend my sincere appreciation to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Ms. Nko Esuabana, alongside the Directors and staff of the Ministry, whose meticulous coordination, technical expertise, and institutional leadership were instrumental in ensuring a well-organized, purposeful, and impactful participation.
- I also recognize the efforts of my immediate support Team as underscoring the critical importance of strong institutional frameworks in driving national representation and delivering results on the global stage.
- Let me also place on record the tireless support received from the staff of the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, whose exceptional dedication and professionalism ensured the seamless execution of all engagements. To the Chargé d’Affaires, H.E. Ambassador Syndoph Endoni, I commend your steady leadership and diplomatic coordination throughout the session. I also recognize Ambassador Bola Asaju, Minister/Head of the Third Committee, for her strategic engagement and contributions in advancing Nigeria’s positions across key platforms. My appreciation further extends to Mr. Rasaq Lawal, Head of Chancery, whose efficiency and commitment ensured operational excellence at every stage, and not forgetting all the Staff of the Mission.
- To our esteemed members of the Media we are indeed very grateful for the partnership and generous publicity of our programmes. We look forward to continued robust coverages in our future endeavours.
- The Second Edition of Nigeria Women’s Day, held on the margins of CSW70, stood as a defining expression of this collective purpose, amplifying Nigeria’s voice, deepening strategic partnerships, and reinforcing the imperative of translating global commitments into tangible impact for women and girls at home. The distinguished presence of H.E. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, further elevated the significance of the event, underscoring global recognition of Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- To sustain this momentum, a Post-CSW70 Debriefing Meeting will be convened shortly to consolidate our outcomes, sharpen our insights, and align on a clear, results-driven roadmap for implementation.
- As we return home, let us carry forward not just the memory of our participation, but the responsibility it confers, so that together, we transform every commitment into measurable progress, and every effort into lasting impact for the women and girls we serve.
Signed
Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, fsi
Honourable Minister,
Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
