ACCI inaugurates committee on women empowerment to drive business growth
The Abuja Chamber of commerce and Industry (ACCI) has inaugurated a joint action committee on women economic empowerment to drive policy reforms and business growth.
Chief Emeka Obegolu, President, ACCI, who inaugurated the committee on Wednesday – yesterday, March 19 – in Abuja, said the effort is aimed at advancing gender-responsive policies and eliminating barriers to Women-Owned Businesses (WoBs).
Obegolu said that the ACCI collaborates with policymakers, business leaders and women entrepreneurs to ensure that women entrepreneurs have equitable access to finance, market opportunities, and regulatory support.
The ACCI president was represented by the 1st Deputy President of the Chamber, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba.
“In a landmark move to foster inclusive economic development, the ACCI, in collaboration with key government agencies and development partners, inaugurated the committee on Women’s Economic Empowerment.
“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.
“The chamber stands shoulder to shoulder with you and will provide unwavering support,” he said.
Obegolu reiterated the ACCI’s dedication to championing women’s economic agenda.
He also appealed to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for their full cooperation, as the effort would boost business in the country, expressing the hope that more MDAs within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would align with this vision to support not only ACCI women, but also other women across the country.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, emphasised the strategic importance of the initiative in strengthening Nigeria’s economic landscape.
Wike, who was represented by Mr Simon Kato, Director of Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public-Private Partnership Secretariat of the FCT, said:
“This 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.”
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.but
She said this is the right time to take action, and the committee serves as a crucial pathway to defining and addressing women’s needs to ensure their economic growth.
“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,’’ Benjamins-Laniyi said.
Mrs Roseline Nwosu, Chairperson of the committee, expressed her gratitude and determination to lead it toward impactful policy reforms.
Nwosu outlined the committee’s key objectives, including advocating gender-inclusive governance and institutionalising a standardised definition for WoBs.
She said the objective of the committee is also driving affirmative procurement policies that enhance women’s participation in business, noting that the inauguration marked a crucial step towards breaking systemic barriers and fostering an inclusive business environment for the benefits of all.
Represented by Mrs Chioma Njoku, Chairperson of the ACCI Women in Business Trade Group, Nwosu assured that 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,” she said.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that women entrepreneurs in Nigeria have the tools and support needed to thrive.
