The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing reforms aimed at improving access to
opportunities and resources for women-owned businesses across Nigeria. Speaking at a high-level stakeholder forum the Senior Special Assistant to the
President on Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation in the Digital Economy, Ms. Chayla Shagaya, said the meeting in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Women Affairs, emphasized that
empowering women economically remains a top priority for the administration. She noted that the government is determined
to remove the barriers that limit women’s participation in business and entrepreneurship. According to Kennedy-
Ohanenye, the ministry is collaborating with relevant government agencies and private sector partners to design policies
that will ensure fair access to credit facilities, training, and digital tools for women entrepreneurs. “We are introducing measures that will make it easier for
women to access funding, acquire business management skills, and benefit from digital inclusion programs. Women are the backbone of the Nigerian economy,
and supporting their ventures means driving sustainable national growth,” the minister said.She further disclosed that the Ministry of Women Affairs has begun
discussions with financial institutions to establish low-interest loan schemes and business grants specifically targeted at women-led enterprises.The minister also
highlighted the need for mentorship programs to connect successful businesswomen with young female entrepreneurs. She said such partnerships
would help bridge knowledge gaps and encourage innovation. Ms. Chayla Shagaya urged stakeholders, especially state
governments and development partners, to support the initiative by implementing inclusive policies that promote gender
equity in business. Representatives from the Bank of Industry (BOI), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), and Nigerian
Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), who were present at the meeting, pledged to work with the ministry in creating a more enabling business
environment for women.They also discussed plans to expand women’s participation in export trade and
encourage local production by providing technical and financial assistance to small and medium enterprises owned by women.The government’s new reform
drive is part of ongoing efforts to align with the National Gender Policy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5, which focuses on
achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.Observers believe that the successful implementation of these
initiatives could significantly boost Nigeria’s economy by increasing women’s contribution to job creation, innovation, and national development.
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