IFC, NGX Group, LCCI Launch Nigeria Gender Country Programme To Close $2.5 Trillion Gender Gap
Rashidat O. Okunlade Writes
In a bid to move gender equality from boardroom talk to business strategy, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have unveiled the Nigeria Gender Country Program (NGCP).
The programme was announced at a high-level virtual CEO Roundtable that brought together chief executives of NGX-listed companies, IFC client organisations, and LCCI member firms. The goal: to align private sector leaders around a shared agenda for inclusive economic growth before a formal physical launch scheduled for July 9, 2026.
From Nigeria2Equal to a broader coalition
The NGCP builds on the momentum of Nigeria2Equal and earlier workplace inclusion initiatives. But unlike its predecessors, this programme is designed as a more integrated, collaborative platform — linking development institutions, regulators, business leaders, and the organised private sector.
Its three strategic priorities are:
Increasing women’s representation in leadership
Improving access to quality employment for women
Expanding access to productive assets, including finance, technology, and markets for women and women-led businesses
SEC: “Gender inclusion is an economic growth imperative”
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), urged business leaders to rethink gender inclusion.
“Closing gender gaps can unlock billions of dollars in value for Nigeria while strengthening business performance and national competitiveness. We must move beyond viewing inclusion as a CSR or compliance exercise, and recognise it as a strategic driver of productivity, innovation, and sustainable economic growth,” Agama said.
Capital markets as a catalyst
Temi Popoola, Group MD/CEO of NGX Group, described the NGCP as a strategic platform to scale women’s economic participation through stronger collaboration.
“By expanding women’s access to leadership, quality employment, finance, technology, and markets, we can unlock substantial economic value while building a more competitive, inclusive private sector. The capital market has a critical role to play through stronger governance, transparency, and stakeholder engagement,” Popoola said.
IFC: Gender inequality costs Africa $2.5 trillion
Christian Mulamula, IFC Head of Office in Lagos, highlighted the business case with stark figures.
“Across Africa, gender inequality is estimated to cost up to $2.5 trillion. Through the Nigeria Gender Country Program, IFC is working with the private sector to expand women’s leadership, improve access to better jobs, and increase opportunities for women-led businesses. This initiative focuses on practical, measurable solutions that help businesses grow while advancing inclusive growth.”
Leadership accountability key
Dr. Chinyere Almona, Director General of LCCI, noted that the programme’s success would depend on leadership accountability.
“Embedding gender inclusion into organisational strategy and execution is non-negotiable,” she said.
What’s next
The formal physical launch of the NGCP is set for July 9, 2026, where stakeholders will advance implementation of the programme’s priorities.
