The International Finance Corporation (IFC), Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), and Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have unveiled the Nigeria Gender Country Program (NGCP).
The initiative is designed to accelerate gender inclusion, expand women’s economic participation, and drive inclusive growth across Nigeria’s private sector.
The announcement was made during a virtual CEO Roundtable attended by leaders from NGX-listed companies, IFC client organisations, and LCCI member companies.
Industry stakeholders believe the program will help close gender gaps in leadership, employment, entrepreneurship, and access to economic opportunities, thereby supporting private-sector competitiveness and sustainable economic development.
Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), emphasized that gender inclusion should be viewed as an economic growth strategy, not just a corporate social responsibility. He stated, “Gender inclusion is fundamentally an economic growth imperative. Closing gender gaps can unlock billions of dollars in value for Nigeria while strengthening business performance and national competitiveness.” He added, “We must move beyond viewing inclusion as a corporate social responsibility initiative or compliance exercise and instead recognise it as a strategic driver of productivity, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.”
Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, described the program as a platform for expanding women’s participation in the economy through stronger collaboration among businesses, development institutions, and market stakeholders. He noted that the initiative would improve women’s access to leadership positions, quality jobs, finance, technology, and markets.
Christian Mulamula, IFC Head of Office in Lagos, highlighted the economic costs of gender inequality, noting that it costs Africa trillions of dollars in lost productivity and economic opportunities. He stated that the NGCP would focus on practical, measurable actions to improve business performance and advance inclusive growth.
Chinyere Almona, Director-General of LCCI, stressed that successful implementation hinges on leadership accountability and long-term commitment from business executives.
The Nigeria Gender Country Program is anchored on three strategic priorities: increasing women’s access to leadership positions, quality employment, finance, technology, and markets; enhancing women’s entrepreneurship and access to finance; and strengthening women’s participation in governance and decision-making roles.
