Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria cannot build a one-trillion-dollar economy without expanding women’s access to finance and economic opportunities.
Speaking at the #SheIsIncluded 2026 Conference in Abuja, Shettima described women’s financial inclusion as an economic growth strategy, rather than charity.
He says only 47 percent of Nigerian women have formal bank accounts, compared with 58 percent of men.
The Federal Government is looking to close that gap through four areas, digital trust infrastructure, data for accountability, blended finance and the National Income Activation Initiative.
It is also targeting four-point-five million women through the expanded Nigeria for Women Programme.
Vice President Kashim Shettima says financial institutions, fintech companies and state governments must begin to see women as an important economic market.
He says the impact of financial inclusion should be measured by businesses created and expanded, and by the number of jobs generated.
The Vice President also wants commitments made at the conference tied to clear targets, responsible institutions and deadlines.
Other speakers say increasing women’s participation in the economy could unlock potential currently constrained by limited access to finance and other opportunities.
The conference ended with the unveiling of the National Income Activation Initiative and an exhibition of innovations led by women.
(Follow AIT News on WhatsApp, AfricaIndependentTV on YouTube, ait_online on Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter), and officialait on TikTok, Instagram and Threads)
Editor..Ada Ononye
