Abuja: The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has allotted 50 free exhibition booths to women entrepreneurs as part of efforts to increase gender inclusion. The ACCI President, Chief Emeka Obegolu, spoke on Friday in Abuja at a news conference as part of activities lined up to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the IWD is celebrated annually on March 8, to honour the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Obegolu stated that the allotment of free booths is part of activities to commemorate the day. He highlighted the importance of investing in women through improved access to finance, mentorship, market opportunities, and supportive policies in line with the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Give To Gain’.
Obegolu explained that the initiative underscores the chamber’s commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and fostering inclusive growth in Nigeria. He noted that empowering women entrepreneurs strengthens businesses, stabilises families, and drives national prosperity. Despite women’s significant contributions to the economic landscape, he acknowledged the challenges they face, such as limited access to affordable financing, regulatory bottlenecks, and socio-cultural barriers, restricting their full participation in economic decision-making.
The chamber’s activities to mark the IWD include a two-day Women Entrepreneurs Workshop and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) exhibition. These activities will feature panel discussions on sustainable financing and protection from predatory lending, as well as a social media marketing master-class aimed at equipping participants with practical digital skills. The business exhibition will provide women entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their products and services, connect with potential customers, and expand their professional networks.
Mrs Lawunmi Ismail, the ACCI Vice President, Women and Gender Matters, stated that the programme was designed to strengthen women’s participation in business and economic development. She emphasised that empowering women entrepreneurs impacts economic growth, as their success leads to prosperous families, stronger communities, and benefits to the broader economy. Ismail reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to creating sustainable platforms that equip women with the necessary knowledge, tools, and visibility to excel in today’s competitive business environment.
Mr Agabaidu Jideani, the Director-General of the ACCI, noted that sustainable economic growth could only be achieved when women are supported and positioned at the forefront of enterprise development. He mentioned that the free exhibition booths serve as a practical demonstration of the ACCI’s strategic commitment to women-led businesses and called on stakeholders across the public and private sectors to collaborate in dismantling barriers hindering women’s advancement.