LEFT TO RIGHT: Executive Commissioner Legal and Enforcement Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms. Frana Chukwuogor, Director General SEC Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Honourable Minister for Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, Executive Commissioner Corporate Services SEC Mrs. Samiya Usman and Executive Commissioner Operations SEC Mr. Bola Ajomale during the commemoration of the International Women’s Day 2025 by the SEC in Abuja, Thursday.
The journey toward women’s financial empowerment in Nigeria has been marked by persistent challenges and groundbreaking initiatives. At the heart of this movement is the unwavering call for action, as emphasized by the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, during the International Women’s Day celebration themed “Accelerate Action – Empowering Women Through Financial Literacy & Inclusion.”
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 advocates committed to reshaping the economic landscape for Nigerian women. The Minister commended SEC for spearheading financial literacy initiatives, emphasizing that inclusion is not just about access but about equipping women with the knowledge to make sound financial decisions.
Breaking Barriers to Economic Growth
Reflecting on the state of financial inclusion in Nigeria, the Minister highlighted the economic power of women, who own approximately 40% of small businesses in the country. Despite this, financial exclusion remains a significant hurdle, limiting access to credit, formal financial systems, and secure investment opportunities.
The Minister called for urgent interventions, stating:
“Financial literacy is more than understanding money—it is the key to unlocking economic opportunities, securing families’ futures, and fostering societal change.”
As part of the Federal Government’s vision to transform Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy by 2030, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has set a bold target: empowering 10 million women by 2027 through financial education, improved access to capital, and protection from fraudulent schemes.
The Role of the Capital Market in Women’s Empowerment
LEFT TO RIGHT: Executive Commissioner Corporate Services Securities and Exchange Commission Mrs. Samiya Usman and Executive Commissioner Operations SEC Mr. Bola Ajomale, Honourable Minister for Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, Director General SEC Dr. Emomotimi Agama, and Executive Commissioner Legal and Enforcement Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms. Frana Chukwuogor, during the commemoration of the International Women’s Day 2025 by the SEC in Abuja, Thursday.
In his remarks, SEC Director General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, stressed the transformative power of women in wealth creation and the capital market’s role in fostering their growth. He underscored the need to protect women from Ponzi schemes and financial fraud, noting that women—driven by their deep commitment to family welfare—are often the primary targets of such schemes.
“Women have a unique ability to multiply wealth. A woman who has N10 knows how to turn it into N50. That is the nature of a woman,” Dr. Agama remarked, reinforcing the need for financial education to help women leverage legitimate investment opportunities.
A Call to Action
The partnership between SEC and the Ministry of Women Affairs is a significant step toward breaking the cycle of financial exclusion. The focus now shifts from awareness to action, ensuring that financial literacy programs, investment opportunities, and regulatory safeguards become accessible to all women, particularly those in underserved communities.
As Nigeria accelerates toward its economic transformation goals, women must be at the center of this progress, equipped with the tools to thrive, build wealth, and drive national development. The journey continues, but the message remains clear—empowered women create a stronger, more resilient economy.
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