Buhari: We’ll keep supporting Nigerian women to take up international roles

President Muhammadu Buhari says his government will continue to help Nigerian women attain leadership positions both nationally and on the global stage.

Buhari made the pledge on Friday when he received the National and International Working Groups of the Supporting Advancement of Gender Equity (SAGE) Initiative to commemorate the 2021 International Women’s Day.

The president commended women for their invaluable contributions in sustaining the socio-economic fabric of the country, from the corridors of decision-making to rural communities.

He assured that access to credit will be further eased, and more space will be created for women to participate in politics.

Buhari said his commitment to the inclusion of women is made manifest in his appointment of women into key positions in his government.

“This administration places a premium on promoting women’s inclusiveness in National Development as we have demonstrated with those holding key portfolios in this administration. They include: Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Minister of Women’s Affairs, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Minister of State for Environment,’’ Buhari said.

“Other positions given to women include: Minister of State for Transportation, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Chair, Federal Character Commission and Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

“I am very proud of the achievements of my former Minister for Environment and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Fatima Mohammed Kyari as the African Union Permanent Observer to the United Nations and the newly elected Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

“We will continue to support them to succeed. And we shall continue to advocate for our women who qualify to lead international fora.”

The president said his administration remains committed to the education of the girl child, in spite of the recent spate of abductions in the northern part of the country.