The International Finance Corporation (IFC), Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have unveiled the Nigeria Gender Country Program (NGCP), a new initiative designed to accelerate gender inclusion and strengthen women’s participation in Nigeria’s economy through coordinated private sector action.
The programme was introduced during a high-level virtual CEO Roundtable that brought together chief executives and senior business leaders from NGX-listed companies, IFC client organisations, and LCCI member companies. The session served as a platform to present the programme’s strategic framework, align stakeholders on shared objectives, and build momentum ahead of its formal launch.
The NGCP builds on the achievements of the Nigeria2Equal initiative and other programmes that have promoted workplace inclusion, women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and sustainable finance across the country. The new platform seeks to deepen impact through stronger collaboration among development institutions, regulators, business leaders, and the organised private sector.
The programme is anchored on three key priorities: increasing women’s representation in leadership positions, improving access to quality employment opportunities, and expanding access to productive assets such as finance, technology, and markets for women and women-led enterprises.
Speaking at the event, , Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), emphasised the economic importance of gender inclusion.
According to him, gender inclusion should be viewed as a strategic economic imperative rather than merely a corporate social responsibility initiative or compliance requirement. He noted that closing gender gaps could unlock billions of dollars in economic value for Nigeria while enhancing business performance and national competitiveness.
Commenting on the initiative, , Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, described the NGCP as a strategic platform that would strengthen collaboration among private sector players, development institutions, and market stakeholders to scale women’s economic participation.
He said the initiative presents a significant opportunity to accelerate progress across corporate Nigeria by expanding women’s access to leadership opportunities, quality employment, finance, technology, and markets. He added that the capital market has an important role to play in advancing inclusion through stronger governance, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.
Also speaking, , IFC Head of Office in Lagos, highlighted the business case for gender equality, noting that gender inequality is estimated to cost Africa as much as $2.5 trillion. He said the programme would focus on practical and measurable solutions that help businesses grow while advancing inclusive economic development.
In her remarks, , Director General of LCCI, stressed that the success of the initiative would depend on sustained commitment and accountability from business leaders. She called on organisations to embed gender inclusion within their corporate strategies and operational frameworks.
The partners are expected to formally launch the Nigeria Gender Country Program at a physical event scheduled for July 9, 2026, where stakeholders will further advance the implementation of the programme’s strategic priorities aimed at driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
