Lagos: Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to enhance women’s economic empowerment and foster greater gender inclusion within Nigeria’s capital market. This collaboration was spotlighted during a strategic visit by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, to the NGX Group in Lagos, culminating in a ceremonial closing gong to symbolize their shared commitment to expanding financial access for women.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Group Chairman of NGX Group, Dr Umaru Kwairanga, welcomed the minister and praised the ministry’s initiatives to promote women’s development and economic involvement. He emphasized the crucial role women play in Nigeria’s economic progress, noting that the capital market is essential for broadening access to finance, supporting women-led enterprises, and facilitating wider participation in wealth creation. Dr Kwairanga reiterated NGX Group’s dedication to collaborating with the Ministry to drive sustainable impact and empower future generations of women leaders.
Additionally, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr Emomotimi Agama, highlighted the necessity for intentional inclusion of women in the capital market. He remarked on the importance of empowering women as active participants to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s capital market and called for greater female engagement to drive national growth.
Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim underscored the importance of inclusion in achieving Nigeria’s economic goals, noting that despite their significant contributions to productivity, women remain underrepresented in formal finance. She emphasized the need for strategic partnerships and targeted interventions to change this narrative and expand opportunities for women across the economy.
Mr Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director of NGX Group, expressed the organization’s commitment to expanding access to investment opportunities through innovation and strategic partnerships. He highlighted the role of such collaborations in creating new pathways for women to participate as investors, entrepreneurs, and wealth creators.
The event brought together stakeholders from both public and private sectors, reinforcing commitments to advancing gender inclusion and sustainable economic development. Notable attendees included Ms Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, and other prominent figures from various organizations.
The closing gong ceremony underscored a renewed commitment by NGX Group and the ministry to deepen collaboration and implement initiatives aimed at advancing women’s inclusion and supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.