FG lunches PowerHer 774 to empower with #5 million each

In a significant stride towards combating energy poverty among women, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Women Affairs in partnership with the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CrediCorp) and several other collaborators, has launched an ambitious program titled “PowerHer 774 – End Energy Poverty for Women.” This groundbreaking initiative is designed to provide 3 million Nigerian women with access to renewable energy solutions through a ₦5 million energy credit package per beneficiary.

The PowerHer 774 initiative seeks to equip women with modern, sustainable energy technologies that can be utilized both at home and within their businesses. Participants will be expected to repay the credit facility within a flexible period ranging between 18 months and two years, thereby fostering financial responsibility and economic empowerment.

At the official unveiling of the program, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasized the critical need for immediate intervention. She revealed that approximately 80,000 Nigerian women lose their lives annually due to health complications caused by prolonged exposure to harmful carbon emissions from traditional cooking methods involving firewood and kerosene. Furthermore, she pointed out that women, particularly in rural communities, spend an average of eight hours daily collecting and preparing firewood, a task that not only limits their economic productivity but also poses serious health risks.

The Minister highlighted that rural women and children constitute a substantial fraction of the nearly 48% of Nigerians — approximately 85 million people — who lack access to reliable electricity.

“In these marginalized communities, the absence of electricity translates into the absence of opportunities, dignity, safety, and hope. This dire reality must be urgently addressed,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated.

She further explained that through the PowerHer 774 project, beneficiaries would receive a range of renewable energy products, including solar home systems, clean cooking stoves, solar-powered water pumps, e-mobility devices, and more. The initiative also aims to train women to become energy entrepreneurs, certified energy managers, and solar energy technicians, thereby creating sustainable employment opportunities.

“Our aspirations are bold because they must be. We envision a future where women are no longer mere recipients of aid but powerful agents of change, leading the transformation of their communities,” the Minister passionately affirmed.

Uzoma Nwagba, the Managing Director of CrediCorp, also spoke at the event, shedding light on why women are prioritized under this scheme. He cited data demonstrating that women generally exhibit stronger loan repayment behavior than men, outperforming their male counterparts by approximately 20% in loan repayment consistency.

“Women not only repay on time but also create stronger economic ripple effects when financially empowered,” Nwagba explained.

He also introduced CrediCorp’s Credit Access for Light and Mobility (CALM) Fund, initiated earlier this year in February. Through this fund, Nigerian women will be able to access financial support for the purchase of solar panels, renewable energy systems for domestic and commercial use, and eco-friendly vehicle modifications such as CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) conversions.

Nwagba stressed that the program is inclusive, targeting women across both urban and rural settings who have a predictable source of income.

“Predictable income isn’t limited to formal employment. Market women, shopkeepers, artisans — any woman earning between ₦1,000 and ₦2,000 daily, and who can comfortably allocate ₦200 to ₦500 daily for repayment, qualifies,” he clarified.

He concluded by describing PowerHer 774 as a consumer credit program tailored specifically to address household and small business energy needs, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and women’s economic empowerment.

✅ How to Apply for powerHer 774
Online Application:

Visit the official CrediCorp CALM Fund portal: www.credicorp.ng/calm

This platform allows you to express your interest in accessing solar home systems and clean energy solutions through structured consumer credit.​
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In-Person Application:

You can also apply through the liaison offices of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs located in all 774 Local Government Areas across Nigeria.

These offices can provide assistance with the application process and offer more information about the program.​

📌 Eligibility Criteria
Gender: Women

Income: A steady or predictable source of income

This includes traders, shop owners, and individuals earning between ₦1,000 and ₦2,000 daily, who can commit to daily repayments of ₦200 to ₦500.

Location: Open to women in both rural and urban areas across Nigeria​