Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to strengthen women’s economic empowerment and promote greater gender inclusion in Nigeria’s capital market.
The collaboration was highlighted during a strategic visit by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, to the NGX Group on Tuesday in Lagos.
This led to a ceremonial closing gong to mark a shared commitment to expanding financial access for women.
Welcoming the Minister, the Group Chairman of NGX Group, Dr Umaru Kwairanga, commended the Ministry’s efforts in advancing women’s development and economic participation.
He said women remain central to Nigeria’s economic progress, noting that the capital market plays a critical role in expanding access to finance, supporting women-led enterprises and enabling broader participation in wealth creation.
“Women are central to Nigeria’s economic progress.
“As we work toward a more inclusive and resilient economy, the capital market remains a vital platform for expanding access to finance, supporting women-led enterprises, and enabling broader participation in wealth creation.
“NGX Group remains committed to partnering with the Ministry to drive sustainable impact and empower the next generation of women leaders,” he said.
Also, the Director-General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr Emomotimi Agama, stressed the need for deliberate inclusion of women in the capital market.
“Behind every successful market are women. For Nigeria’s capital market to reach its full potential, we must be intentional about empowering women as active participants.
“Current participation levels do not yet reflect our population or potential.
“Collaborations like this send a strong call to action for more women across Nigeria to engage with the market and contribute to national growth,” he said.
In her remarks, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said inclusion was critical to achieving Nigeria’s economic ambitions, noting that women remain underrepresented in formal finance despite their contributions to productivity.
“The capital market reflects our collective choices, who participates, who has access, and who benefits.
“Women remain underrepresented in formal finance in spite of their critical role in Nigeria’s productivity.
“Through strategic partnerships and targeted interventions, we are working to change this narrative and expand opportunities for women across the economy.
“Achieving a one-trillion-dollar economy requires the full participation of Nigerian women,” she said.
Group Managing Director, NGX Group, Mr Temi Popoola, said the Group was committed to expanding access to investment opportunities through innovation and strategic partnerships.
“At NGX Group, we are building a dynamic and inclusive market ecosystem that expands access to investment opportunities and supports diverse participants.
“Through partnerships such as this, we are unlocking new pathways for women to participate as investors, entrepreneurs, and wealth creators,” he said.
The engagement brought together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, reinforcing commitments to advancing gender inclusion and sustainable economic development.
Among those present were the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Ms Kafilat Ogbara; CEO, Tafawa Balewa Square Management Board, Ms Lucia Shittu; Director-General, National Theatre, Mrs Tola Akerele; former Chairman, Access Bank Plc, Dr Dere Awosika; Chairman, Board of Trustees, WIMBIZ, Mrs Ebisan Akisanya; and other members of the organisation.
It included Founder, WISCAR, Mrs Amina Oyagbola, as well as board members of NGX Group.
Also in attendance were the CEO, Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX), Mr Jude Chiemeka; CEO, NGX Regulation Ltd., Mr Femi Shobanjo; and CEO, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, Mr Shehu Shantali.
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.
