- By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (PRECISE POST) – The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, has praised the National Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE) for its unwavering commitment to empowering Nigerian women through entrepreneurship and innovation.
The commendation was delivered on Wednesday during the NAWE National Entrepreneurship Summit and Exhibition held in Abuja. Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, the Head of the Gender Unit, Hawa Usman, emphasized the critical role women play in driving sustainable development and economic growth.
“This National Entrepreneurship Summit and Exhibition is another demonstration of NAWE’s commitment to empowering women to become active participants and leaders in our nation’s industrial and business landscape,” Usman stated. “Nigerian women entrepreneurs are leading the way—building enterprises that not only generate income but also transform communities and create jobs.”
She further noted that the Ministry has taken deliberate steps to mainstream gender in all its programmes and policies. Through its Gender Unit, the Ministry is working to enhance women’s access to finance, training, markets, and industrial clusters.
“We are convinced that when women succeed, the nation succeeds,” she added. “Women’s participation in industry and trade leads to stronger families, resilient communities, and a more inclusive economy.”
Representing the UN Women Country Representative, Beatrice Eyong, the Programme Officer for Women’s Empowerment, Patience Ikechukwu, described the summit as a celebration of the creativity, resilience, and leadership of Nigerian women. She praised NAWE for its impactful work across all 36 states of the federation.
“I commend the Nigerian Association of Women Entrepreneurs for its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment. Across Africa, women entrepreneurs are not just business owners—they are drivers of social transformation,” Ikechukwu said.
Citing the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM 2023), she revealed that women in sub-Saharan Africa represent 42% of total early-stage entrepreneurs—the highest regional rate in the world. In Nigeria, women own about 41% of micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs), contributing significantly to GDP growth and employment.
Also speaking at the event, President of the National Shippers Association of Nigeria, Family Goma, urged women to participate more strategically in trade organizations and international exhibitions to attract the support of key stakeholders.
“We are ready to guide you,” Goma said. “We’re rolling out programmes that favour women. If you have a product that’s not yet up to international standards, contact us—we are here to support you. We also group women into segments to increase visibility and access to international markets.”
Bridget Gambo, Deputy National President of NAWE, called on the Federal Government to recognize the value of investing in women, reiterating the saying: “When you train a woman, you train a nation.”
She urged the government to include women in policymaking processes, especially those concerning business and economic development.
The Chairperson of the Summit, Philomena Badaiki, also advocated for increased female representation in national decision-making and policy formulation.
“We are clamouring for the 35% affirmative action in politics and all spheres of life,” Badaiki said. “We are here showcasing the innovation and creativity of Nigerian women and calling on all to support our vision.”
In her keynote address, Director-General of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Vera Ndanusa, highlighted the remarkable achievements of NAWE members, describing them as captains of industry and influential political figures.
“The world is evolving, and this is the era of technology. Women must upskill to remain competitive,” she said. Ndanusa also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for women-led businesses.
“Thanks to the Tinubu administration, Nigerian women are winning international grants and being recognized as the best in Africa,” she added. “Now is the time to focus, grab the opportunities being rolled out, scale up our businesses, and add value for profit maximization.”
The summit concluded with a renewed call from all stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, policy inclusion, and support systems for women entrepreneurs across the country.
