On September 5th, 2024, FIDA (Federation of International Women Lawyers) Nigeria made a significant step toward enhancing the rights and welfare of women and children by exploring a partnership with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The visit, which took place at the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, was aimed at creating collaborative initiatives between the two organizations to empower vulnerable women and children across Nigeria.
During the courtesy visit, FIDA Nigeria’s delegation, led by Mrs. Amina Agbaje, the Country Vice President/National President of FIDA Nigeria, sought to align with NUPRC’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, especially in areas of social justice, inclusivity, and economic empowerment.
Mrs. Agbaje emphasized FIDA’s dedication to promoting justice, protection, and providing equal opportunities for disadvantaged groups, particularly women and children, in line with their core mission of improving access to justice.
In response, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, FNSE, the Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of NUPRC, reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to collaborate with FIDA Nigeria on impactful programs.
He acknowledged that the NUPRC’s role extends beyond regulating the petroleum industry, emphasizing the importance of supporting social development initiatives that improve the well-being of the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
Key Areas of Collaboration:
- Economic Empowerment of Women: Both FIDA and NUPRC expressed interest in launching programs that will provide financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and job creation opportunities to help women become financially independent. This would align with the federal government’s push for more inclusivity in economic policies.
- Child Protection Initiatives: FIDA Nigeria aims to strengthen efforts in protecting children from abuse, trafficking, and other violations, with NUPRC potentially providing support through its CSR activities in affected communities.
- Educational Support Programs: Discussions were held on promoting educational programs that target young girls, ensuring access to quality education and reducing dropout rates, particularly in underprivileged communities.
- Community Engagement and Advocacy: Both parties committed to enhancing advocacy for social justice by engaging communities through awareness programs that address gender-based violence, child labor, and other societal challenges.
This strategic partnership is a testament to the commitment shared by both organisations to foster positive change and improve the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable groups. FIDA Nigeria’s collaboration with NUPRC is expected to lead to a series of impactful projects focused on community development, gender equality, and the welfare of children.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing optimism about future collaborations aimed at achieving shared goals. FIDA Nigeria continues to seek partnerships with other stakeholders to drive its mission of ensuring justice for all, particularly women and children, across Nigeria.
This initiative also reflects NUPRC’s broader agenda of advancing social responsibility in the energy sector, extending its influence beyond petroleum regulation to contributing to the social and economic development of Nigerian communities.
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