Government says empowering women in business is key to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The Federal Government has called on Nigerian women to take advantage of opportunities in trade and entrepreneurship to help drive the country’s economic development.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, made the call in Abuja while marking the 2026 edition of International Women’s Day, celebrated globally every March 8 to recognise women’s social, economic and political contributions.
Speaking on the 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” Oduwole said the celebration highlights the need to expand opportunities for women and strengthen their role in trade, entrepreneurship and national development.
She urged women to equip themselves with the right knowledge, skills and tools to benefit from government policies and emerging economic opportunities. According to her, sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing and export trade hold strong potential for women entrepreneurs.
The minister also encouraged women to tap into available grants, funding programmes and cooperative initiatives designed to support business growth.
“The future of Nigeria’s economy will be shaped by how well we empower women to participate fully in trade, industry and investment,” she said, urging women to embrace continuous learning, digital innovation and multiple income streams to stay competitive in the global economy.
Also speaking, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Nura Rimi, said efforts to promote gender inclusion within the sector were ongoing despite funding challenges.
He stressed that programmes aimed at empowering women would remain a priority for the ministry.
Earlier, the Head of the Gender Unit, Hauwa Sarki, explained that the event was designed to expose women to strategic policies, mentorship opportunities and entrepreneurship pathways that could translate policy opportunities into real economic empowerment.
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