In a bold call to action, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, urged stakeholders to accelerate efforts toward empowering women through financial literacy and inclusion. Speaking at an event commemorating International Women’s Day, themed “Accelerate Action – Empowering Women Through Financial Literacy & Inclusion,” she emphasized that financial empowerment is a catalyst for economic transformation.
The event, organized by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and co-sponsored by United Capital Asset Management Limited and Stanbic IBTC Asset Management, brought together financial leaders and women’s advocacy groups committed to closing the gender gap in financial participation.
Reflecting on the theme, the Minister commended SEC’s leadership in driving women’s financial inclusion and called for immediate action to turn policies into tangible benefits. “‘Accelerate Action’ is not just a slogan; it is a call to move beyond discussions and implement real, impactful solutions,” she stated.
She underscored that financial literacy goes beyond understanding money—it empowers women to make informed economic decisions, secure their families’ futures, and contribute meaningfully to society. Despite women’s growing role in Nigeria’s economy, they continue to face major barriers such as limited access to credit, exclusion from formal financial systems, and vulnerability to fraudulent schemes.
The Minister highlighted the Federal Government’s ambitious goal to empower 10 million women by 2027 as part of its broader plan to drive Nigeria toward a $1 trillion economy by 2030. With women already owning nearly 40% of small businesses, she stressed that targeted financial education and access to secure financial products—such as investment opportunities and tailored loan schemes—are critical to sustaining and expanding their impact.
Bridging the Financial Gap
The Minister outlined key initiatives aimed at improving financial literacy among women, ensuring they have the tools to build sustainable wealth. She also called for increased protections against financial exploitation, warning of the dangers posed by Ponzi schemes that disproportionately affect women due to their strong sense of familial responsibility.
SEC’s Commitment to Women’s Financial Empowerment
Adding his voice to the conversation, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director General of SEC, acknowledged the indispensable role of women in Nigeria’s financial markets. “Women are natural wealth multipliers,” he noted, highlighting their tendency to turn N10 into N50 through smart financial decisions.
However, he raised concerns about the high vulnerability of women to fraudulent financial schemes, stressing the importance of education in preventing such risks. “Many Ponzi scheme victims in Nigeria are women, not because they are financially reckless, but because they are driven by a desire to provide for their families,” Agama explained.
He reaffirmed SEC’s commitment to working with the Ministry of Women Affairs to enhance financial literacy programs, ensuring women are well-equipped to navigate capital markets, explore investment opportunities, and participate in commodity trading.
Looking Ahead: A Collective Responsibility
As Nigeria advances toward economic transformation, the Minister’s call for financial literacy, access to secure financial products, and protection from fraudulent schemes is a wake-up call for all stakeholders. The government’s commitment, combined with SEC’s initiatives, sets the stage for a future where women are not just participants in the economy but key drivers of financial growth and stability.
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