The Federal Government has stressed the need for increased investment in women’s health, saying the wellbeing of women is essential to Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1tn economy.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, made the call at the inaugural Her Health, Her Power Conference Africa 2026 in Abuja.
The conference, organised by the VickyHeldan Empowerment Foundation, was themed, “Leading with Wellness for a Sustainable Africa.”
Represented by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women’s Development, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the minister said women’s health should be regarded as a key component of national development.
“If we are serious about a $1 trillion Nigerian economy, then investing in women’s health is not optional. It is foundational,” she said.
Suleiman-Ibrahim said the government was strengthening policies and institutions aimed at advancing women’s economic empowerment, gender equality, family development and protection.
She also called for stronger partnerships between government agencies, the private sector, civil society organisations, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders to improve healthcare outcomes for women.
The minister commended the foundation’s founder, Dr Victory Njoku, for bringing together stakeholders to discuss practical ways of advancing women’s health and empowerment.
She, however, urged participants not to allow the conference to end with discussions, stressing the need to convert ideas and commitments into measurable programmes and results.
Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, also advocated greater attention to women’s healthcare and education, saying both were closely connected to economic development.
“Now, it is key not to separate women’s health from economic growth,” Amaechi said.
He urged political leaders and policymakers to recognise the impact of their decisions on women and families.
Reflecting on his tenure as Rivers State governor, Amaechi said his administration established health centres across communities, with each facility reportedly staffed by a doctor and two nurses.
He added that women who attended antenatal care were also given financial support of N10,000.
Amaechi said governments could improve the lives of women by investing in hospitals, primary healthcare facilities and other social infrastructure.
The convener of the conference, Njoku, said the initiative was created to promote women’s health across Africa by connecting women with healthcare professionals, innovators and advocates.
She disclosed that the foundation planned to take the campaign to communities through programmes addressing maternal health, reproductive healthcare, 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.
She expressed optimism that the initiative would eventually expand beyond Nigeria and become a wider African movement.
Njoku also encouraged women to become more involved in decisions and conversations affecting their health, development and wellbeing.
The conference attracted healthcare practitioners, entrepreneurs, public health experts, advocates, media professionals and other stakeholders from across the development sector.
