- Nigeria and China seal a landmark deal to advance women’s inclusion in the gas industry.
- The agreement aims to boost clean energy access and strengthen gender-responsive infrastructure.
Nigeria and China have forged a new partnership to enhance women’s participation in the gas sector. This alliance marks an important step towards inclusive economic growth and gender equality.
The agreement was signed in Beijing during the first Nigeria-China Women’s Infrastructure Investment Forum. It was jointly organised by Nigeria’s Ministry of Women Affairs, the China Chamber of Commerce for the Petroleum Industry, and the Mutual Commitment Group.
According to the Ministry of Women Affairs, the memorandum of understanding will expand sustainable energy access for women-led businesses and households. Furthermore, it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusion and shared prosperity.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the deal would accelerate Nigeria’s shift to cleaner energy while creating economic opportunities for women. She emphasised that the government is moving from policy discussions to measurable action. “When women gain access to clean energy, families and communities flourish,” she noted.
Additionally, the minister explained that the partnership builds on ongoing programmes, including the Women Agro Value Expansion (WAVE) Programme and the Safe Spaces and Sexual Assault Referral Centres. These initiatives, she added, already empower thousands of women through training, funding, and protection.
Meanwhile, Liu Zhaolong, Group Managing Director of the Mutual Commitment Group, described the agreement as a foundation for long-term cooperation. He observed that all partners share the same goal of advancing gender-responsive investment across both nations.
Similarly, Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs, praised the initiative for promoting institutional collaboration. She also highlighted that the Reserved Seats for Women Bill complements this goal by supporting women’s leadership at all levels.
In addition, Eugenia Ojeah, representing the Bureau of Public Procurement, reaffirmed the value of affirmative procurement in achieving inclusive growth. Likewise, Chinese official Ma Li hailed the deal as a model for international cooperation on gender equality and sustainable energy investment.
Private-sector organisations, including Newbury Energy Ltd and Easy Sales Export, pledged support for the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions. The initiative aims to reach ten million women across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
In her closing remarks, Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its partnership. She assured that her ministry would implement the agreement with transparency and accountability. She concluded that expanding women’s participation in the gas sector remains vital to building a sustainable and inclusive future for Nigeria.