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Nigeria: SEC Vows to Bridge the Financial Gap for Women

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SEC Vows to Bridge the Financial Gap for Women
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At the She’s Included Gender Inclusion Conference and Summit 2025—under the banner “Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Economic and Financial Inclusion”—the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) underscored its resolve to empower women by ensuring equitable access to financial services, investment opportunities, and wealth-building tools.

In her keynote address, SEC’s Executive Commissioner for Corporate Services, Mrs. Samiya Usman, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to fostering an inclusive financial environment that supports women in all capacities—be they traders, entrepreneurs, professionals, or investors. Speaking as Nigeria’s foremost capital market regulator, Mrs. Usman outlined the SEC’s dual role of both regulating and developing the market, emphasizing that financial inclusion is a critical pillar for national development. “A financially empowered woman strengthens her household, and a strong household lays the foundation for a robust economy,” she noted.

Over the years, the SEC has actively worked to tailor the Nigerian capital market to meet the distinct financial needs of women. Through policy advocacy, the introduction of regulatory frameworks, and strategic partnerships, the Commission has spurred the creation of women-centric financial products. Mrs. Usman highlighted initiatives such as United Capital’s Women Wealth for Women Fund, designed to offer tailored wealth creation opportunities. In the commodities sector, similar innovative products have been developed to boost women’s involvement in agribusiness, a field where many Nigerian women already excel.

In line with the conference’s theme, the SEC mobilized several capital market operators to showcase their support for financial inclusion. Among these, six registrars from the Institute of Capital Market Registrars (ICMR) and Fund Managers of Nigeria (FMAN) participated, displaying their products and engaging directly with attendees to discuss investment opportunities in the capital market.

The Commission’s efforts extend beyond product development. Through a series of webinars and targeted financial literacy programs, particularly aimed at market women, SMEs, and women-led businesses, the SEC has successfully enhanced investor education for women—empowering thousands with the knowledge needed to actively participate in the market.

Despite these strides, Mrs. Usman acknowledged that significant challenges remain. Cultural barriers, gaps in financial literacy, limited access to credit, and the dominance of informal economic activities continue to restrict many women’s full engagement in the financial sector. She pointed out that financial exclusion is especially acute in Northern Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need to intensify efforts to bridge these disparities.

“We understand that there is still much work ahead. Knowledge is power, and when communities are financially empowered, the benefits of economic progress extend to everyone,” Mrs. Usman stated.

Calling on all stakeholders to join forces, she urged a collective push to dismantle these barriers. The SEC is dedicated to deepening collaborations to advance gender-focused financial policies, urging financial institutions and market operators to craft products that meet the specific needs of women, expanding investor education to reach underserved regions, and supporting women-led businesses and SMEs in securing the capital necessary for growth and sustainability.

Reflecting on the summit, Mrs. Usman expressed her admiration for the organizers’ efforts, noting, “We are proud to participate in this initiative, which perfectly aligns with our mission to foster financial inclusion, empower women, and bolster economic resilience. The theme ‘Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Economic and Financial Inclusion’ resonates deeply with our vision for a capital market that serves every segment of society, ensuring that no one is left behind in our pursuit of economic empowerment.”

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