IFC, NGX Group unveil Nigeria gender programme

A new initiative, the Nigeria Gender Country Programme (NGCP), has been launched by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). The program aims to foster gender equality and inclusive economic growth within Nigeria's private sector.

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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.

The launch occurred during a virtual CEO Roundtable, which gathered business leaders from NGX-listed companies, IFC clients, and LCCI members. The session focused on introducing the NGCP's strategic framework, aligning stakeholders, and mobilizing support for its upcoming official launch. This program builds upon previous efforts like Nigeria2Equal, which have promoted workplace inclusion and women's entrepreneurship.

The NGCP is designed as a collaborative platform to amplify impact through coordinated actions involving development institutions, business leaders, regulators, and the private sector. Its strategic priorities are to boost women's representation in leadership roles, enhance access to quality employment opportunities, and broaden access to essential resources such as finance, technology, and markets for women and women-led businesses.

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We must therefore 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.

Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, emphasized the private sector's crucial role in driving gender-inclusive growth. "Gender inclusion is fundamentally an economic growth imperative," Agama stated, adding that closing gender gaps could unlock billions of dollars for Nigeria and improve business performance. He urged a shift from viewing inclusion as a CSR initiative to recognizing it as a strategic driver of productivity and sustainable economic growth.

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The Nigeria Gender Country Programme presents a significant opportunity to deepen impact and accelerate progress across corporate Nigeria.

Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director/CEO of NGX Group, described the NGCP as a vital platform for increasing women's economic participation. "The Nigeria Gender Country Programme presents a significant opportunity to deepen impact and accelerate progress across corporate Nigeria," Popoola said. He believes that by improving women's access to leadership, employment, finance, technology, and markets, substantial economic value can be unlocked, leading to a more competitive and resilient private sector.

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By expanding women’s access to leadership opportunities, quality employment, finance, technology, and markets, we can unlock substantial economic value while building a more competitive, inclusive, and resilient private sector.