President Mohammadu Buhari says his administration will continue to support women to succeed.

Speaking at the State House, where he received National and International Working Groups of the Supporting Advancement of Gender Equity (SAGE) Initiative to commemorate the 2021 International Women’s Day, earlier today, Buhari noted that he will remain fully committed to seeing more Nigerian women in leadership positions, both at national and international institutions, assuring that access to credit will be further eased, and more space will be created for women to participate in politics.

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

“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,’’ he said.

The president 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 noted.

He said women are a credible force in strengthening democracy and promoting the culture of peace and food security, adding: “I am most grateful for the role women have played and continue to play in our Government.’’

President Buhari noted that the theme for 2021 International Women’s Day, “Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World”, calls for more concerted efforts and Nigeria will be more than ever committed to join in raising the bar for women’s representation at all levels.

“This administration has demonstrated this by engaging in intense diplomacy to support the aspirations of Nigerian women to provide leadership at the global stage.