The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for urgent action to empower women through financial literacy and inclusion, stressing that access to financial knowledge is critical for their economic advancement.
Speaking at an event marking International Women’s Day, themed “Accelerate Action – Empowering Women Through Financial Literacy & Inclusion,” the Minister urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and take decisive steps to bridge the financial gap for women.
The event, organized by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in collaboration with United Capital Asset Management Limited and Stanbic IBTC Asset Management, brought together financial experts and women’s advocacy groups to promote financial empowerment.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended SEC for its role in advancing financial literacy, emphasizing that equipping women with financial knowledge enables them to make informed decisions, secure their families’ futures, and contribute to national development.
“Women are a driving force in Nigeria’s economy, owning about 40% of small businesses, yet many face barriers such as limited access to credit, exclusion from formal financial systems, and vulnerability to fraudulent schemes,” she noted.
She highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering 10 million women by 2027, as part of its broader goal to transform Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
Key initiatives outlined by the Minister include increasing financial education, providing access to secure financial products tailored for women, and strengthening protections against financial fraud.
SEC’s Director General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, emphasized the crucial role of women in economic growth, noting that women are central to wealth distribution and market expansion. He stressed the need for financial education to protect them from Ponzi schemes and other exploitative practices.
“The government is committed to bringing women to the forefront of the capital market, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools to thrive financially,” Agama said.
He reaffirmed SEC’s partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs, pledging continued efforts to provide financial education and support for women’s economic empowerment.
