Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs, stated that Nigeria could potentially add $229 billion to its GDP by 2030 if the gender gap in labor force participation is closed. She made this announcement at the 2025 Gender and Inclusion Summit (GS-25) on Wednesday in Abuja, emphasizing that gender inclusion is not only a social issue but also a critical macroeconomic necessity.
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The minister said. “Women make up more than 50 percent of Nigeria’s population but remain underrepresented in leadership, credit access, and education,” she said. “This is not about charity; it is about national economic growth.”
She noted that although women own 43 percent of Nigeria’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), only 9 percent have access to formal credit. Girls in rural areas are also twice as likely to be out of secondary school as boys.
The minister cited progress at the state level. In Adamawa, women now hold all vice-chairperson positions across 21 local governments. Niger State has reserved all local government vice-chair positions for women, and Rivers State recently elected a 19-year-old female councillor.
She also noted improvements in the private sector. Women now hold 22 percent of executive roles in Nigeria, slightly above the global average of 20 percent, and lead over 40 percent of Nigeria’s commercial banks.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim shared the story of a woman who, through the Nigeria for Women Project, was able to leave predatory lending schemes and now earns enough to support her family.
“That is inclusion — the difference between hunger and stability,” she said.
In her keynote address, international development expert Oley Dibba-Wadda encouraged women to use technology to tell their own stories and shape narratives.
“Too often we live by HIS-story. We must begin to tell HER-story stories of our realities and strengths. No one is coming to save us,” she said, describing technology as the “new griot” capable of amplifying African voices and challenging exclusion.
Udeme Ufot, Chairman of the Policy Innovation Centre, described GS-25 as a platform connecting research with lived experience. He referenced The Purple Book, a policy guide developed from previous summits, as a tool for ongoing reform.
“Inclusion starts with listening to rural women, displaced people, and youth. But it must go beyond listening to real innovation and collaboration,” he said.
Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, added that people are Nigeria’s most valuable asset but remain largely excluded.
“We must ensure this summit drives measurable outcomes, not just conversations,” he said.
Across the sessions, participants emphasised that gender equality is not only Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals but also essential to achieving outcomes in poverty reduction, education, health, and climate resilience.
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