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In a landmark move to foster inclusive economic development, the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), in collaboration with key government agencies and development partners, has inaugurated the Joint Committee on Women’s Economic Empowerment.
The high-profile event, held at the ACCI Premises, brought together policymakers, business leaders, and women entrepreneurs, all committed to advancing gender-responsive policies and eliminating barriers for Women-Owned Businesses (WoBs) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement by Amina A. Samuel, Assistant Media Officer, ACCI Wednesday.
In his welcome address, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, PhD, President of ACCI, ably represented by the 1st Deputy President of the Chamber, Professor Adesoji Adesugba, reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to ensuring that women entrepreneurs have equitable access to finance, market opportunities, and regulatory support.
“The establishment of this Committee is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a structured platform dedicated to policy reforms, advocacy, and the creation of an enabling environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive,” he stated. Chief Obegolu, who briefly joined the meeting despite other pressing engagements, reiterated ACCI’s dedication to championing the women’s economic agenda.
He emphasized the significance of the Chamber’s Vice Presidency for Women Affairs, established to provide strategic support for gender-inclusive business growth.
He further assured continued support, stating, “The Chamber stands shoulder to shoulder with you and will provide unwavering support.”
He also appealed to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for their full cooperation, acknowledging the presence of the Mandate Secretary, FCTA Women Affairs.
He expressed hope that more MDAs within the FCT would align with this vision to support not only ACCI women but women across Nigeria.
The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), His Excellency Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, represented by Mr. Simon Kato PhD, Director of Planning, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation, and Public-Private Partnership Secretariat, delivered the keynote address.
He emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative in strengthening Nigeria’s economic landscape. “This Joint Action Committee is not merely symbolic. It is a commitment to fostering synergy and driving actionable reforms that will create an enabling business environment for women entrepreneurs across the country. Our administration remains dedicated to advancing women’s economic empowerment and ensuring gender-responsive procurement in the FCT,” he affirmed.
The FCTA Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, highlighted the Secretariat’s ongoing efforts in empowering women and the progress made so far.
She emphasized that this is the right time to take action and that the Committee serves as a crucial pathway to defining and addressing women’s needs to ensure their economic growth.
She further noted, “The future is not just about feminism; it is about connection. We need both genders to work together towards a holistic and locally implemented agenda. A collaborative approach is necessary to drive progress.”
Barr. (Mrs.) Roseline Obiageli Nwosu, newly inaugurated as the Chairperson of the Joint Committee, represented by Mrs. Chioma Njoku, Chairperson of the ACCI Women in Business Trade Group, expressed her gratitude and determination to lead the Committee toward impactful policy reforms.
She outlined the Committee’s key objectives, including advocating for gender-inclusive governance, institutionalizing a standardized definition for WoBs, and driving affirmative procurement policies that enhance women’s participation in business.
The initiative has strong backing from the Investment Climate Reform (ICR) Facility, a key development partner supporting policy innovation for women’s economic empowerment.
Their continued collaboration with ACCI underscores the global recognition of women as critical drivers of economic growth.
As the Committee embarks on this transformative journey, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that women entrepreneurs in Nigeria have the tools and support needed to thrive.
The inauguration marks a crucial step toward breaking systemic barriers and fostering an inclusive business environment that benefits all.
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