Lagos: Economic experts have called for deliberate actions, stronger policies, and institutional reforms to advance women’s rights and deepen their participation in the nation’s development.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the call was made at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) International Women’s Day (IWD) event held in Lagos under the theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.’ Mrs. Kofo Akinkugbe, Founder of SecureID Group, emphasized that women’s rights should be inherent and not subject to gender-based validation or societal approval. Reflecting on her career, Akinkugbe shared her journey from a successful banking career in the late 1990s to entrepreneurship in digital technology, founding SecureID in 2005.
She recounted that SecureID established the first smart card manufacturing plant in sub-Saharan Africa, which exposed her to systemic biases questioning women’s competence in business. Akinkugbe stressed that rights must be inherent due to our humanity, not conferred based on gender, and women should not need to prove their worthiness.
Focusing on innovation and expertise, Akinkugbe said SecureID now produces over 200 million cards annually, with facilities in Nigeria and Kenya, exporting to 21 African countries. Despite global certifications from Visa, Mastercard, and GSMA, she noted gender inequality persists in leadership and opportunity access, highlighting women’s 3.9% representation in Nigeria’s National Assembly.
She expressed concern over the high number of out-of-school girls, stressing that Nigeria’s future depends on educating girls. Akinkugbe called for dedicated funding, inclusive procurement, and measurable policies to support women’s participation in economic and leadership roles.
Mr. Abimbola Olashore, NBCC President, emphasized the urgency of moving beyond conversations to concrete actions for gender equality, stating that women’s achievements should prompt responsibility from governments, institutions, and businesses. He highlighted women’s contributions across sectors, asserting that empowering women is an economic necessity, as their success leads to business growth and national prosperity.
Mr. Tajudeen Ahmed, Chairman of the NBCC Programmes Committee, said gender equality requires sustained commitment and purposeful leadership. He reiterated the chamber’s dedication to promoting inclusive economic growth by supporting women in business and leadership, viewing women’s empowerment as crucial for sustainable economic development.