The Development Research and Projects Centre has supported 17 women-led Non-Governmental Organisations across Nigeria with grants of ₦5 million each.
In a statement issued on Friday to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day, signed by its Executive Director, Judith-Ann Walker, the centre said the grant has enabled NGOs to implement grassroots initiatives that have reached 6,555 beneficiaries within three months.
It stated that the support was provided under the NGO Support Initiative, a programme designed to strengthen women-owned and women-run civil society organisations working at the community level.
According to dRPC, the programme attracted 837 applications from across the country, highlighting the strong demand for financial and institutional support among women-led organisations in the sector.
The statement read, “The NSI, implemented by the development Research and Projects Centre, was designed to strengthen women-owned and women-run non-governmental organisations working at the community level across Nigeria, which attracted a total of 837 applications, reflecting the depth of need across the sector.
“After a rigorous review process, 17 women-led NGOs from across the country were selected for the first cohort, each receiving ₦5 million in grant support.
“Their work ranged from digital skills training for girls and young women, community health awareness programmes, and advocacy on gender equality, to livelihood support and climate-smart agricultural practices.”
The centre stated that the projects have directly impacted more than 6,555 people, with over 90 per cent of the beneficiaries being women, according to the organisation.
dRPC noted that beyond the immediate interventions, the initiative has also strengthened the institutional capacity and visibility of women-led NGOs, many of which operate with limited resources despite their deep community reach.
“The impact of the NSI goes beyond the projects implemented. It has also reinforced the institutional strength and visibility of women-owned NGOs that are often under-resourced despite their deep community reach,” the organisation said.
It added that the programme has enabled women leaders to expand their capacity to manage development projects, engage stakeholders, and sustain grassroots initiatives aimed at improving community wellbeing.
“These women leaders represent a critical pillar of Nigeria’s development ecosystem,” dRPC said, noting that women-led organisations continue to demonstrate that locally driven solutions can deliver meaningful and lasting change.
The organisation added that the initiative reflects the growing role of women-led civil society groups in advancing inclusive development and strengthening civic participation at the grassroots level across Nigeria
