The Nigeria for Women Program Scale Up Project (NFWP-SU) has appointed the Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area as its Project Champion, in recognition of his leadership and influential role in the community.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday, 22nd April 2026 by the State Project Coordinator, Mrs. Shyllon Olufunke during an engagement session held at the conference hall of the LCDA, where the project was unveiled.
Speaking at the occasion, the Team Lead of the project, Mrs. Salami Oluwatoyin disclosed that the project is an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria with the support of the World Bank, aimed at improving the livelihood of women across Nigeria.
She hinted that the pilot phase was successfully implemented in six states of the federation namely Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Kebbi, Niger, Taraba and Ogun, stressing that it will be expanded to all the state of the country.
Salami disclosed that the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved Apapa Iganmu LCDA, Ibeju-Lekki and Alimosho Local Government Councils for the pilot scheme in Lagos.
According to her, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs coordinates the project at the federal level, while the State Ministry of Women Affairs implement at the state level.
Salami stated that a local government project implementation unit will work with some community members known as Ward Facilitators to implement the project at the community level.
The Team Lead emphasised that the project duration is five years, adding that the project is targeting women aged 18 years and above , who own businesses.
On the modalities, she said, ” The women will form a group known as Women Affinity Group (WAG. A WAG is made up of 15-25 self selected members
“Politicians or government officials (or any influential person in the community) do not draw up a list of women who will join WAGs.
“All women within the age group can join any WAG of their choice. There is no discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, political affiliation, disability, or social class”.
Speaking on the benefits of the project, Salami noted that it will bring additional income for the household and enable the women to support their husbands in providing for the household amongst others.
On the project activities, she explained that, ” WAG members will meet weekly to save money and, from the pool of their savings, give loans to members who want to borrow. They also set aside a social fund to help members needing urgent assistance.
“The members share their money after one year and start another cycle. WAGs are self – managed. Nobody can join WAG on behalf of another person. A WAG member must reside in the community where the WAG is located.
“The government will support serious WAGs to form livelihood collectives to enable them expand their businesses. The project will train WAG members in different areas to improve their knowledge and skills. The training will include how to effectively manage money and operate businesses in a profitable way e.t.c.”
She therefore seeked the support of Hon. Jimoh Saliu in mobilising women to participate in the Women Affinity Groups for the successful implementation of the project.
in his response, the Apapa Iganmu LCDA helmsman Hon.Jimoh applauded the federal government on the initiative, describing it as a laudable project meant to further empower and improve the livelihood of the women.
Shedding light on the project, Hon. Jimoh explained that members of the WAGs have to make a savings for a period of six months, upon which the World Bank would aid them with the needed equipment or machine to boost their businesses.
Contrary to opinions,he emphasised that the saved money would not be shared by members, but would be supported with funds by the World Bank to broaden their businesses.
He recalled the experiences in Ogun State pilot phase, saying they have been provided by paddy parboiling rice plant and garri processing plant.
