Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, has said investment in women’s health is critical to achieving Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy.
She stated this at the maiden Her Health, Her Power Conference Africa 2026 in Abuja, organised by the VickyHeldan Empowerment Foundation.
Represented by the Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women’s Development, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the minister said the country’s economic aspirations could not be achieved without prioritising the health and wellbeing of women.
“If we are serious about a $1 trillion Nigerian economy, then investing in women’s health is not optional. It is foundational,” Suleiman-Ibrahim said.
She said the Federal Government was strengthening policies and institutions to promote women’s economic empowerment, gender equality, family development and protection.
The minister also called for stronger collaboration among government, the private sector, civil society organisations and healthcare professionals to improve health outcomes for women.
She urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and translate commitments made at the conference into measurable actions and tangible results.
Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, also stressed the need to connect women’s health with economic development, urging political leaders to prioritise access to healthcare and education.
“Now, it is key not to separate women’s health from economic growth,” Amaechi said.
He said political decisions directly affect women and families, urging leaders to provide hospitals, health centres and other facilities that improve quality of life.
The convener of the conference, Dr Victory Njoku, said the foundation would extend the campaign to communities through outreach programmes focused on maternal health, reproductive care, mental wellness, education and leadership.
“This is just creating a conversation, but taking action, we’re going to propel into communities through our outreach programs, focused on maternal health, reproductive care, mental wellness, education and leadership”. Njoku said.
