The International Finance Corporation, Nigerian Exchange Group, and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry have unveiled a new gender inclusion initiative aimed at mobilising Nigeria's private sector around women's economic participation.
The Nigeria Gender Country Program was introduced at a high-level virtual CEO Roundtable attended by chief executives and senior leaders from NGX-listed companies, IFC client organisations, and LCCI member companies.
The session was designed to align stakeholders around the programme's strategic framework ahead of a formal physical launch scheduled for July 9.
The programme builds on Nigeria2Equal, an earlier initiative that advanced workplace inclusion, women's leadership, and sustainable finance across the private sector.
Its architects describe it as a more integrated platform, built around three priorities: increasing women's representation in leadership, improving access to quality employment, and expanding women's access to finance, technology, and markets.
The Securities and Exchange Commission's Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, delivered the keynote, making the case that gender inclusion is an economic growth issue rather than a compliance or corporate social responsibility exercise.
vHe argued that closing gender gaps could unlock billions of dollars in value for Nigeria while strengthening productivity and national competitiveness.
NGX Group's Group Managing Director, Temi Popoola, described the programme as a platform for deepening impact through stronger collaboration among the private sector, development institutions, and market stakeholders. He said the capital market has a specific role to play in driving these outcomes through better governance, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.
IFC's Head of Office in Lagos, Christian Mulamula, put a number on the stakes. He said gender inequality costs Africa an estimated two-and-a-half trillion dollars, and that the programme is designed to translate inclusion commitments into practical, measurable business outcomes.
LCCI Director-General Dr. Chinyere Almona said the programme's success would ultimately depend on whether business leaders embed gender inclusion into organisational strategy rather than treat it as a peripheral concern.
The three partners are expected to formally launch the programme at a physical event in Lagos on July 9, 2026.
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