Katsina begins disbursement of women’s community investment funds

The Katsina State Government has commenced the disbursement of Community Investment Fund support to eligible Women Affinity Groups under the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project. More than 40,000 women are expected to benefit from the intervention. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who spoke at the flag-off ceremony in Katsina on Sunday, said the programme was intended to build women’s economic capacity rather than simply distribute money.

He said beneficiaries had qualified through savings and group activities. Shettima said the success of the initiative should be assessed by whether it helps women strengthen their businesses, raise household incomes, create employment and withstand economic difficulties. He said linking funding with training, financial literacy and productive resources would improve the prospects of sustainable businesses.

The Vice President urged beneficiaries to keep proper records, make careful purchases and maintain trust within their groups. He also stressed that women should understand borrowing terms, distinguish between revenue and profit, and be able to question financial transactions. Shettima called for transparency in the administration of the funds.

He said eligibility, rather than political influence, should determine access and that transactions should be documented. He also acknowledged the support of the World Bank and urged implementing agencies to continue monitoring the scheme after the disbursement ceremony. Governor Dikko Radda said Katsina had committed more than N4bn to the programme and approved an additional N4bn for expansion.

He said the state was matching every dollar provided by the World Bank. Radda said the programme began in Katsina, Funtua and Daura local government areas and had been extended to six more, with the eventual aim of covering all 34 local government areas. He clarified that the ceremony marked the start of disbursement, not its completion, and asked groups not initially selected to remain patient while eligibility requirements were assessed.

The governor said the programme would also support collective savings, business development and participation in profitable value chains. He highlighted the involvement of women with hearing impairment and appealed for additional financing and technical assistance from development partners.