DUTSE, NIGERIA — Remi Tinubu says criticism will not stop her from supporting women traders across Nigeria as she announced a N200 million empowerment package for 2,000 beneficiaries in Jigawa State.
The First Lady made the announcement during her visit to Jigawa on Monday, where she unveiled financial support for women engaged in small-scale trading. According to her, each of the 2,000 beneficiaries will receive N50,000, bringing the total value of the intervention to N200 million.
Speaking at the event, Remi Tinubu dismissed criticism surrounding previous empowerment programmes for petty traders. She said the initiative extends beyond akara sellers and covers women involved in different forms of small businesses.
“I heard people talking about akara sellers. It is not only akara sellers. We are supporting tomato sellers, maize sellers, vegetable sellers and many other petty traders,” the First Lady said.
According to her, the programme is designed to improve the livelihoods of women who depend on small businesses to support their families. She explained that providing direct financial assistance to petty traders would help them expand their businesses, increase household income and contribute to local economic activities.
The intervention forms part of the First Lady’s broader efforts under her social intervention and women empowerment programmes, which have reached several states across the country. Similar initiatives have focused on supporting vulnerable groups, improving access to economic opportunities and encouraging financial independence for women.
Residents and traders in Jigawa welcomed the announcement, expressing hope that the funds would provide much-needed relief amid rising business costs and economic pressure. Many small-scale traders across Nigeria have faced declining purchasing power, higher transportation expenses and increasing prices of goods in recent months.
Economic experts have consistently noted that targeted support for micro-businesses can help strengthen local economies when implemented transparently and beneficiaries receive the funds as planned. They also stress the need for sustained access to finance, skills development and market opportunities to ensure long-term growth for small businesses.
The latest empowerment package adds to ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and related initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians through social investment programmes. Attention will now turn to the distribution process and how quickly beneficiaries receive the promised grants.
For many women operating small businesses, the N50,000 support could provide additional working capital, while the programme is expected to boost trading activities in local markets if implemented effectively.
