Are you looking for how to apply for the NFWP grant application in 2026? The NFWP grant registration is now open, giving economically active women in participating states access to livelihood support grants, practical training and group-based empowerment—similar to other ongoing empowerment initiatives such as the Tony Elumelu Foundation Grants.
Before applying, it is important to understand who is behind the programme, how it works, and why joining a Women Affinity Group (WAG) is the first and most important step.
About the NFWP grant
The Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP) is supported by the World Bank and implemented by the Federal Government of Nigeria in partnership with state and local governments. The programme is designed to help women grow small businesses, increase household income and achieve long-term economic stability.
Like other initiatives such as the WASSMAS Agriculture Grant, which focuses on supporting women farmers and strengthening agricultural livelihoods, NFWP uses a structured, community-led approach to ensure sustainable impact.
To achieve this, NFWP does not operate in isolation—it works through a unique grassroots structure known as Women Affinity Groups (WAGs).
What Is a Women Affinity Group (WAG)?
Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) are community-based groups of 15 to 25 women, formed and managed by women within the same locality. They serve as the foundation of the NFWP programme. Through WAGs, women receive training, qualify for grants and access ongoing support—similar to how initiatives like the SFDP Health Innovation Challenge use structured groups and support systems to deliver impact.
Understanding how WAGs work helps explain why joining one is required before applying for the NFWP grant.
How Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) Work
These groups are created to promote:
- Savings and financial discipline
- Business growth and skills development
- Peer learning and accountability
- Access to livelihood grants
Following the success of the pilot phase, the programme has expanded nationwide under the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), with states such as Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Niger and Ekiti recording notable progress—similar to other Federal Government support schemes like the FG TISSF interest-free loan, which also target grassroots economic growth.
Now that you understand the group structure, the next question most women ask is: what exactly does the NFWP grant offer?
NFWP Grant 2026: What the Grant Covers
The NFWP grant is livelihood support, not a cash handout. It is designed to help women strengthen and expand their existing income-generating activities in a sustainable way.
Grant Highlights
- Livelihood support linked to real business needs
- Previous grant support ranged between ₦30,000 and ₦60,000 per woman
- Grants are accessed through Women Affinity Groups (WAGs)
- Combined with compulsory training and group savings
- No repayment required when programme conditions are met
- No application or participation fee
With this support available, the next step is to confirm who is eligible to apply.
Who Can Apply for the NFWP Grant 2026?
To qualify for the NFWP grant application, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Women 18 years and above
- Actively engaged in small or subsistence-level businesses such as:
- Trading
- Farming and agro-processing
- Tailoring and fashion design
- Food processing
- Hairdressing and beauty services
- Artisan and craft work
- Resident in a participating Local Government Area (LGA)
- Willing to join or form a Women Affinity Group (WAG)
- Willing to participate in trainings and group savings
- Open to both rural and semi-urban women
Minority and vulnerable groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Once eligibility is confirmed, the application process begins—but not online first.
Application Starts with Joining a Women Affinity Group (WAG)
While some funding options like FG S-VCG, JaraMoni, SingaCash and Hi Credit operate mainly through online applications, the NFWP grant application follows a different approach. It begins at the community level—through wards and LGAs—by joining a Women Affinity Group (WAG), which serves as the foundation for training, grant access and ongoing support.
How WAG Registration Works
- Each LGA has designated WAG leaders and Local Field Supervisors (LFS)
- Each ward has a Ward Leader responsible for mobilization and registration
- Women are advised to locate their Ward Leader or LGA supervisor
- Where no WAG exists, new groups will be formed
- Membership is free of charge
Through WAGs, women gain access to training, savings platforms and eventual grant qualification.
How to Apply for the NFWP Grant 2026
Applying for the NFWP grant follows a simple, community-based process. Below are the key steps every applicant must complete.
Step 1: Join a Women Affinity Group (WAG)
Begin by locating the appropriate programme contact in your area.
Contact your Ward Leader, Local Field Supervisor (LFS) or State Project Office
Register to join an existing WAG or form a new one within your community
Step 2: Participate in WAG Activities
Active participation is required before grant consideration.
Attend entrepreneurship and financial literacy trainings
Take part in group savings, meetings and assessments
Step 3: Grant Qualification and Support
Once requirements are met, eligible participants move to the grant stage.
WAG members are assessed based on participation and compliance
Livelihood support grants are issued in line with programme guidelines
Important:
Before starting the process, check that your Local Government Area (LGA) is among the approved NFWP locations.
States and LGAs Covered by the NFWP
The NFWP is currently implemented in selected states and LGAs:
Abia State
- Isialangwa
- Obingwa
- Ohafia
Kebbi State
- Maiyama
- Argungu
- Ngaski
Niger State
- Agaie
- Wushishi
- Shiroro
Ogun State
- Odeda
- Yewa North
- Ijebu North East
Taraba State
- Bali
- Takum
- Zing
Akwa Ibom State
- Ibesikpo Asutan
- Onna
- Oruk Anam
Katsina State
- LGAs to be implemented under the scale-up phase
Just like the FG GEEP loan programme, women living in these LGAs are eligible to participate by joining a WAG.
Benefits of Joining an NFWP Women Affinity Group (WAG)
Women who join WAGs under NFWP enjoy:
- Improved business income through better skills and market access
- Access to livelihood support grants
- Increased financial independence and confidence
- Strong peer support networks
- Greater participation in household and community decision-making
Men are actively engaged as partners to support women’s economic success.
To deliver these benefits, the programme provides structured training.
Training and Capacity Building Under NFWP
All registered participants receive training in:
Enterprise and Business Skills
- Market assessment and opportunity identification
- Managing income-generating activities (IGAs)
- Profitability and capital planning
- Business growth strategies
Financial Literacy
- Savings and budgeting
- Debt management
- Access to financial services
- Investment decision-making
Life and Psycho-Social Skills
- Communication and leadership
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- Relationship building
- Purposeful living
Training is available in English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo and Pidgin, ensuring inclusiveness.
States Recording Strong Impact
- Ogun State: 1,613 WAGs formed, attracting study visits from nine states
- Niger State (Gurara LGA): 14 rice processing and marketing centres established
- Ekiti State: Active WAG formation across Efon, Aiyekire/Gbonyin and Moba LGAs
These results highlight the strength of the WAG model.
Ekiti State NFWP-SU Contacts (Verified)
WAG Formation Ongoing In:
- Efon LGA
- Aiyekire/Gbonyin LGA
- Moba LGA
Local Field Supervisors (LFS):
- Efon: 08147614902
- Aiyekire/Gbonyin: 08066407565
- Moba: 08038488043
Ekiti State Project Coordinator:
- 08032259382
Women in other states should contact their Ward Leaders or State Project Offices.
Official NFWP Contacts
- Phone: +2348071023200
- Email: info@nfwp.gov.ng
- Website: https://nfwp.gov.ng/contact/
- Address: No. 5 Justice Chukwudifo Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja
- Additional email: FPCU@nfwp.gov.ng
- Hotline: 09057309945 (leave a message)
The NFWP Grant 2026 offers more than funding—it provides women with the skills, structure and community support needed for long-term success.
Eligible women are encouraged to start today by locating their Ward Leader or LGA supervisor, joining a Women Affinity Group, and following the approved registration process.
We are for women.
Women… Empower Her!
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