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By Vivian Emoni
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has allotted 50 free exhibition booths to women entrepreneurs as part of efforts to increase gender inclusion.
The ACCI President, Chief Emeka Obegolu, spoke on Friday in Abuja at a news conference as part of activities lined up to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IWD is celebrated annually on March 8, to honour the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
According to Obegolu, the allotment of free booths is part of activities to commemorate the day.
He said that the theme of this year’s celebration is “Give To Gain”, while highlighting the importance of investing in women through improved access to finance, mentorship, market opportunities and supportive policies.
“The initiative underscores the chamber’s unwavering commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and fostering inclusive growth in Nigeria.
“Empowering women entrepreneurs strengthens businesses, stabilises families and drives national prosperity,” he said.
Obegolu, who acknowledged the significant contributions of women to economic landscape, noted that limited access to affordable financing, regulatory bottlenecks and socio-cultural barriers continue to restrict their full participation in economic decision-making.
He listed some of the chamber’s activities to mark the IWD to include a two-day Women Entrepreneurs Workshop and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) exhibition.
“These activities will feature panel discussions focused on sustainable financing and protection from predatory lending. Also, a social media marketing master-class designed to equip participants with practical digital skills.
“The business exhibition will provide women entrepreneurs with a strategic platform to showcase their products and services, connect with potential customers, and expand their professional networks,” he explained.
The ACCI Vice President, Women and Gender Matters, Mrs Lawunmi Ismail, said that the programme was intentionally designed to strengthen women’s participation in business and economic development.
Ismail emphasised that empowering women entrepreneurs goes beyond inclusion and directly impacts economic growth.
She said that when women succeed in business, families prosper, communities grow stronger and the broader economy benefits.
Ismail reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to creating sustainable platforms that equip women with the knowledge, tools, and visibility needed to excel in today’s competitive business environment.
Mr Agabaidu Jideani, the Director-General of the ACCI, said that sustainable economic growth could only be achieved when women were supported and positioned at the forefront of enterprise development.
According to Jideani, the free exhibition booths is a practical demonstration of the ACCI’s strategic commitment to women-led businesses.
He called on stakeholders across the public and private sectors to collaborate in dismantling barriers that hinder women’s advancement.
“The IWD 2026 activities reflect ACCI’s broader agenda of promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening women-led enterprises and creating inclusive opportunities within Nigeria’s commerce and industry ecosystem’’, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ese E. Ekama-Williams
