The federal government and the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) are intensifying efforts to boost women’s participation in Nigeria’s capital market, warning that their exclusion hinders economic growth and the nation’s pursuit of a $1 trillion economy. At a closing gong ceremony in Lagos on Tuesday, key officials emphasized that women’s involvement is essential for a truly inclusive financial sector.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted that women remain significantly underrepresented in formal finance despite contributing substantially to Nigeria’s productivity. “Keeping women on the sidelines is not just a social injustice, it is a massive economic oversight,” she stated, stressing that an inclusive market structure is critical for the country’s economic ambitions.
To drive participation, the government is expanding access to finance through initiatives like the “Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention 774,” designed to reach women across all local government areas. Sulaiman-Ibrahim also announced collaborations with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, the Investor Academy, and women-focused financial literacy programs to enhance women’s understanding of investment opportunities.
SEC Director-General Emomotimi Agama reinforced the message, noting that women’s current involvement does not reflect their population strength. “Behind every successful market are women. For Nigeria’s capital market to reach its full potential, we must be intentional about empowering women as active participants,” he said, linking female empowerment directly to market growth.
NGX Group Chairman Umaru Kwairanga added that the capital market is a strategic platform for wealth creation and economic progress, with women playing a central role. “As we work towards a more inclusive and resilient economy, the capital market remains vital for expanding access to finance, supporting women-led enterprises, and enabling broader participation in wealth creation,” he said.
source: The sun