The International Finance Corporation (IFC), Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have jointly launched the Nigeria Gender Country Program (NGCP), a strategic initiative designed to accelerate gender inclusion and expand women’s economic participation across the nation’s private sector.
This development was announced during a high-level virtual CEO Roundtable, which convened chief executives and senior business leaders from NGX-listed companies, IFC client organizations, and LCCI member firms ahead of the program’s formal rollout. The initiative aims to strengthen efforts to close gender gaps in leadership, employment, entrepreneurship, and access to economic opportunities, while simultaneously supporting broader private-sector competitiveness and sustainable economic development.
Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), emphasized that gender inclusion should be regarded as an economic growth strategy rather than a corporate social responsibility obligation. His remarks underscore the program’s focus on driving measurable outcomes for women and women-led businesses across Nigeria’s economy.
Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, described the NGCP as a platform for expanding women’s participation in the economy through stronger collaboration among businesses, development institutions, and market stakeholders. He noted that the initiative would help improve women’s access to leadership positions, quality jobs, finance, technology, and markets. Popoola added that the NGCP would focus on practical and measurable actions that enhance business performance while advancing inclusive growth.
Chinyere Almona, Director-General of LCCI, stressed that successful implementation would depend on leadership accountability and long-term commitment from business executives. The partners are expected to formally launch the program at a physical event scheduled for July 9, 2026.
The Nigeria Gender Country Program builds on the foundation laid by the Nigeria2Equal initiative, a multi-stakeholder program led by IFC in partnership with NGX Group to reduce gender gaps across leadership, employment, and entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s private sector. The new NGCP is expected to consolidate these efforts into a broader country-level platform focused on delivering measurable outcomes for women and women-led businesses across Nigeria’s economy.
This launch comes at a time when key economic indicators are shaping the business landscape. For instance, the Dmo Opens June with new bond auctions, while Ngx Loses N478.7 billion in market capitalization amid fluctuating investor sentiment. Meanwhile, the Dangote Refinery Targets increased production capacity, which could influence Nigeria Business Confidence in the coming months. Additionally, Abbey Mortgage Bank continues to navigate the evolving financial sector, contributing to the broader economic narrative.
Industry stakeholders believe the NGCP will reinforce efforts to close gender gaps in leadership, employment, entrepreneurship, and access to economic opportunities, while supporting private-sector competitiveness and sustainable economic development. The program represents a significant step toward fostering inclusive growth in Nigeria’s private sector.
