The Federal Government has inaugurated a Planning Committee for the 26th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development, with a strong charge to ensure that the forthcoming Council in Jalingo, Taraba State produces practical, measurable and transformative outcomes that strengthen families, advance the care economy and improve the lives of women, children and vulnerable groups across Nigeria.
Performing the inauguration at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, fsi, described the committee’s inauguration as “the official starting gun” for the 26th National Council, stressing that the assignment before members extends far beyond organising an event.
According to the Minister, the Council must move beyond policy discussions to the effective delivery of solutions that directly impact Nigerians.
“The inauguration of this Planning Committee is not merely a procedural formality; it is the official starting gun for the 26th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development.
We must move from the design of policies to the delivery of measurable results that improve the lives of women, children, families and vulnerable groups,” she said.
The Minister explained that the theme of the 26th National Council, “Strengthening Families and Advancing the Care Economy for Inclusive Development: Operationalising Nigeria’s Renewed Social Protection Architecture,” aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Social Development and Families, placing Nigerian households at the centre of national development, security, gender equality and economic prosperity.
She noted that the Ministry has already developed more than 40 groundbreaking policies and guidelines aimed at formalising Nigeria’s care economy, strengthening social protection systems and safeguarding vulnerable populations under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The theme reflects our commitment to making families the foundation of inclusive national development.
Our discussions in Jalingo must focus on translating these policies into practical interventions that deliver real benefits to Nigerians,” the Minister stated.
Hajia Sulaiman-Ibrahim charged members of the committee to ensure broad stakeholder participation, stressing that the Council must reflect the diversity of Nigerian society while creating lasting policy outcomes.
“This Committee must ensure inclusivity. All relevant stakeholders must be invited. Our Council must be a true reflection of the diverse society we serve.”
She further urged the committee to focus on building a lasting legacy by ensuring that all resolutions emerging from the Council are measurable, adequately budgeted and supported by a robust monitoring framework that tracks implementation until the next Council meeting.
“This is not about organising a four-day event. It is about creating a legacy. The resolutions from the 26th Council must be measurable, budgeted for and followed through with an effective monitoring framework.”
The Minister encouraged members to break institutional barriers and work collaboratively across departments to achieve the Council’s objectives and reminded them that the ultimate success of the Council would be judged not by the quality of its ceremonies but by the positive changes experienced by ordinary Nigerians.
“History will not remember the applause at the opening ceremony. History will remember the smile of a woman who finds a job because of a policy we passed.
It will remember the safety of a child who is protected because of a law we enforced. That is the weight of the task before you.”
The Honourable Minister congratulated all members on their appointment and urged them to approach the assignment with urgency, dedication and a shared commitment to national development.
The 17- member Committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye while Director, Planning Research and Statistics (PRS), Mrs.Amina Jalo as Secretary.
Ahmed Lawan Danbazau Mnipr
Head, Press and Public Relations Dept.(FMWASD)
