By Vivian Emoni

The Abuja Chamber of commerce and Industry (ACCI) has inaugurated a joint action committee on women economic empowerment to drive policy reforms and business growth.

Chief Emeka Obegolu, President, ACCI, who inaugurated the committee on Wednesday in Abuja, said that the effort was to advance gender-responsive policies and eliminate barriers for Women-Owned Businesses (WoBs).

Obegolu said that the ACCI collaborated with policymakers, business leaders and women entrepreneurs to ensure that women entrepreneurs have equitable access to finance, market opportunities, and regulatory support.

The ACCI president was represented by the 1st Deputy President of the Chamber, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba.

“In a landmark move to foster inclusive economic development, the ACCI, in collaboration with key government agencies and development partners, inaugurated the committee on Women’s Economic Empowerment.

“The establishment of this committee is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a structured platform dedicated to policy reforms, advocacy and the creation of an enabling environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive.

“The chamber stands shoulder to shoulder with you and will provide unwavering support,” he said.

Obegolu reiterated the ACCI’s dedication to championing women’s economic agenda.

He also appealed to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for their full cooperation, as the effort would boost business in the country.

He expressed hope that more MDAs within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would align with this vision to support, not only ACCI women, but other women across the country.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, emphasised the strategic importance of the initiative in strengthening Nigeria’s economic landscape.

Wike was represented by Mr Simon Kato, Director of Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public-Private Partnership Secretariat of the FCT.

“This committee is not merely symbolic. It is a commitment to fostering synergy and driving actionable reforms that will create an enabling business environment for women entrepreneurs across the country.

“Our administration remains dedicated to advancing women’s economic empowerment and ensuring gender-responsive procurement in the FCT,” he said.

The FCTA Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, highlighted the secretariat’s ongoing efforts in empowering women and the progress made so far.but

She said this is the right time to take action, and the committee serves as a crucial pathway to defining and addressing women’s needs to ensure their economic growth.

“The future is not just about feminism; it is about connection. We need both genders to work together towards a holistic and locally implemented agenda.

“A collaborative approach is necessary to drive progress,’’ Benjamins-Laniyi said.

Mrs Roseline Nwosu, the Chairperson of the committee, expressed her gratitude and determination to lead it toward impactful policy reforms.

Nwosu outlined the committee’s key objectives, including advocating for gender-inclusive governance and institutionalising a standardised definition for WoBs.

She said that the objective of the committee would also driving affirmative procurement policies that enhance women’s participation in business.

Nwosu said that the inauguration marked a crucial step toward breaking systemic barriers and fostering an inclusive business environment for the benefits of all.

She was represented by Mrs Chioma Njoku, Chairperson of the ACCI Women in Business Trade Group.

She said that the initiative had strong backing from the Investment Climate Reform (ICR) Facility, a key development partner supporting policy innovation for women’s economic empowerment.

“Their continued collaboration with ACCI underscores the global recognition of women as critical drivers of economic growth,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that women entrepreneurs in Nigeria have the tools and support needed to thrive. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Experts have tasked companies’ secretaries, registrars and administrators on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) while enhancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and data management.

They gave the advice at the 2025 Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) Company Secretaries and Registrars’ Forum in Lagos.

The forum’s theme was: “Enhancing the AI Mindset in Delivering Sustainability Principles on Data Management and Governance”.

Mr Christopher Ogirri, Data Engineering Lead, KPMG Africa, said as governance professionals, secretaries and registrars played a crucial role in ensuring compliance, transparency, and efficient corporate decision-making.

Ogirri said ESG reporting would become mandatory in Nigeria by 2028, following the Financial Reporting Council Adoption Readiness Roadmap.

He said that large Public Interest Entities (PIEs) must comply by 2027, with others following in 2028, and Small and Medium Enterprises required to report from 2030.

He stressed that as organisations adopt AI to enhance ESG data management and governance, secretaries and registrars must be aware of key concerns related to data privacy, security, and reliability.

He added that regulatory and governance concerns must be carefully addressed to ensure compliance, transparency, and ethical decision-making.

“Managing vast amounts of ESG-related data presents significant challenges, including accuracy, consistency, and regulatory compliance.

“While AI enhances ESG reporting by automating data collection and analysis, improving transparency and compliance, governance professionals must ensure its responsible and ethical use.

“As organisations integrate AI into governance and ESG processes, secretaries and registrars must collaborate with technology teams to ensure that AI tools align with compliance and ethical standards,” he said.

Mrs Funmi Ekundayo, the President, ICSAN, said the forum revolved around discreet application of Artificial Intelligence to deliver cutting-edge results in data management and governance.

Ekundayo said that data management referred to the practices of collecting, organising, protecting and storing data to enable its analysis for informed business decisions.

She added that it involved various aspects such as data governance, quality management, security, and integration.

Ekundayo noted that AI offered undeniable benefits such as faster performance, reduced human errors, elimination of injury in hazardous environment among others.

She, however, stressed that there was currently increasing awareness on the imperative of safe and environmentally-corporate business practices inclusive of AI adoption and usage.

“Hence, the need to find ways AI can be employed as a technical accelerator and incubator mechanism for delivering innovations and products in consonance with sustainability principles on data management and governance.

“Developing the appropriate mindset is a sine qua non for achieving success in any endeavour, and our focus at this forum is to enhance AI mindset for optimal delivery,” she said.

Dr Leo Okafor, the Company Secretary, United Capital Plc, emphasised the need for an ethical AI committee, chaired by independent committee board members to identify gaps in the system to drive accountability.

Okafor also called for the awareness and implementation of the laws on responsible AI use, saying organisations must have a framework that protects data and corrects breaches.

Mr Bamidele Oseni, the Managing Partner, Caleb Consulting Uganda Ltd., said secretaries and administrators must take advantage of compliance software, block chain technology to drive organisational efficiency.

“For everyone using AI, there are obligations such as risk management system, data system, human oversight, robust cyber security framework for accountable AI use,” he said.

Mr Clifford Akpolo, the Head, Group Communications and Partnership, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), said AI facilitated ESG reporting, data analytics and optimised operation and energy costs.

Akpolo, however, noted that AI was as good as the person administering it.

He revealed that the NGX was exploring how to enhance operations via AI seeing the peculiarities of the stock market. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Abiodun Lawal

The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, says his company returned to invest in Ogun due to Gov. Dapo Abiodun’s investor-friendly policies.

Dangote made this known during a courtesy visit to the governor at his office in Abeokuta.

He noted that the state had become one of Nigeria’s most attractive investment destinations by positioning itself as the manufacturing ‘bedrock’ of the nation.

The Dangote Group President praised Abiodun’s vision and policies, which deliberately supported private sector growth and encouraged enterprise through immense cooperation with investors.

“Our factory at Itori was demolished twice. During the second incident, not just the factory but the fence was pulled down, so we abandoned the project.

“However, due to Governor Abiodun’s efforts, we have returned. Anyone visiting the factory now would be amazed at the progress achieved,” he said.

He revealed that the company had earlier abandoned its plan to invest in the Olokola Free Trade Zone in Ogun Waterside Local Government due to previous setbacks.

“Thanks to your policies and a favourable business climate, we are returning to Olokola. Plans are underway to construct Nigeria’s largest port,” Dangote pledged.

Providing an update on projects, Dangote disclosed two new cement plant lines with a combined capacity of 6 million metric tonnes per annum had been built in Itori.

A 12 million metric tonne per annum cement plant, he added, is also sited at Ibeshe, boosting the group’s production capacity in the state.

Upon completion, the combined output of the company’s plants in Ogun would reach 18 million metric tonnes annually, making it Africa’s top cement-producing region.

He emphasised that Nigeria’s growing economy required private firms to support government initiatives, and Dangote Group remained committed to national development.

He affirmed his company’s dedication to investing in Nigeria and transforming the economy by showing unwavering belief in the country and its people.

In response, Abiodun thanked Dangote for the visit, and for his trust in the state and continued commitment to Nigeria’s economic progress.

He also commended Dangote for creating jobs and significantly contributing to national development through business expansion and global advocacy for Nigeria.

“Your selfless promotion of Nigeria globally is commendable. Your life story remains an inspiration to many young Nigerians striving for success.

“Ogun welcomes your renewed investment. Today, March 17, is historic – the same month you broke ground for the Lagos refinery project.

“You have not only completed the Itori factory but also chosen to develop Nigeria’s largest port here. For this, I express my profound gratitude,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Investors in stock market traded 3.281 billion shares worth N63.517 billion in 60,782 transactions on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) during the week.

NGX, in its weekly report made available in Lagos, said this was in contrast to 1.818 billion shares valued at N47.226 billion in 64,222 deals last week.

Consequently, the value of transactions traded by investors on the Exchange soared by 34.5 per cent.

The Financial Services Industry led the activity chart with 2.302 billion shares valued at N25.014 billion traded in 27,625 deals.

This contributed 70.17 per cent and 39.38 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Consumer Goods industry followed with 421.846 million shares worth N3.796 billion in 6,149 deals.

The third place was the Services Industry, with a turnover of 228.075 million shares worth N800.274 million in 4,741 deals.

Trading in the top three equities namely Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Champion Breweries Plc and Jaiz Bank Plc accounted for 1.621 billion shares worth N3.244 billion in 1,528 deals.

This contributed 49.42 per cent and 5.11 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

38 equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than thirty 30 equities in the previous week.

46 equities depreciated in price, lower than 58 in the previous week, while 66 equities remained unchanged, higher than 62 recorded in the previous week.

The top five decliners for the week were: Neimeth International Pharmaceutical, Mecure industries, International Energy Insurance, University Press and Conoil as they lost 51k, N1.30, 20k, 48k and N36.80, respectively.

Livestock Feeds, Caverton Offshore Support Group, FTN Cocoa Processors, CWG and Tantalizer were the top five gainers for the week as they grew in 22.16 per cent, 15.38 per cent, 14.20 per cent, 13.21 per cent and 13.14 per cent, respectively.

The companies gained N1.85, 40k, 23k, N1.05 and 34k, respectively. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Taiye Olayemi

The stock market opened the week positively, with investors gaining N52 billion and performance indices rising by 0.08 per cent on Monday.

Specifically, the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) market capitalisation increased by 0.08 per cent to N66.769 trillion from an opening of N66.717 trillion recorded on Friday.

The All-Share Index also rose by 0.08 per cent, or 83 points, to close at 106,621.91, up from 106,538.72 posted on Friday.

The positive performance, in spite of cautious trading, was driven by gains in some banking and consumer goods stocks such as First City Monument Bank, Access Corporation and Dangote Sugar.

The market breadth closed positive, with 32 gainers and 27 losers.

On the gainers’ chart, Eterna increased by 9.96 per cent, to close at N37.55, while Transnational Corporation gained by 9.91 per cent, to close at N51.55 per share.

Also, First City Monument Bank soared by 9.89 per cent, to close at N10 and Africa Prudential gained by 9.85 per cent, to close at N36.25 per share.

ABC Transport increased by 8.67 per cent, to close at N1.63 per share.

Conversely, VFD Group led the losers’ chart with a 9.92 per cent decline, closing at N47.20, followed by International Energy Insurance, which lost 8.72 per cent, closing at N1.78 per share.

Also, Cadbury Nigeria declined by eight per cent, closing at N23, while Cornerstone Insurance dropped by 7.89 per cent, closing at N2.92 per share.

Honeywell Flour Mill lost 7.06 per cent, closing at N12.50 per share.

A total of 364.97 million shares, worth N17.628 billion, were exchanged across 14,565 transactions.

This is compared with 349.18 million shares, worth N9.74 billion, exchanged across 11,911 transactions last Friday.

Transactions in Fidelity Bank shares topped the activity chart, with 56.4 million shares worth N970.85 million.

Access Corporation followed with 30.422 million shares valued at N725.48 million, while Zenith Bank sold 27.64 million shares worth N1.33 billion.

Africa Prudential transacted 23.316 million shares valued at N834.19 million, and United Bank for Africa sold 13.102 million shares worth N495.98 million.

Analysts at Vetiva Securities Ltd. said that in spite the modest gain, sentiment remained cautious due to persisting pressures from high fixed income yields.

“Investors continue to selectively engage fundamentally sound equities, but sustained bullish momentum appears unlikely without significant economic catalysts.

“Consequently, we anticipate another mixed session, with continued selective buying countered by profit-taking,” they noted. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Vivian Emoni

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has reiterated its commitment to ensuring strong support in empowering women in leadership, business and entrepreneurship.

The ACCI President, Chief Emeka Obegolu, said that the support would give women and girls the power to always know and stand for their rights.

“The ACCI has reaffirmed its commitment to driving change in women’s rights, fostering gender equality and taking decisive action toward the empowerment of women across all sectors of the society.

“Women play a pivotal role in driving economic transformation. We are not just advocating for equality in ACCI.

“ACCI is committed to accelerating action that removes barriers, expands opportunities, and ensures that every woman and girl can actively contribute to economic and social development,” he said.

Obegolu called on government institutions, private sectors and civil society organisations to work collaboratively to accelerate policies that protect women’s rights.

According to him, the collaboration will also promote gender equality and create an enabling environment for women to thrive.

“Beyond celebration, today is a call to action. We must move beyond conversations to concrete steps that amplify women’s voices.

“We must move to protect their rights and grant them equal access to opportunities that foster innovation and sustainable growth,” he added.

Mrs Roseline Nwosu, Vice-President, Women Development and Gender Matters of ACCI, said that women should not have to work too hard as men, before they would be recognised and appreciated.

Also, the Director-General of ACCI, Mr Agabaidu Jideani, emphasised the Chamber’s unwavering commitment to advancing gender-inclusive policies that foster economic growth and social development.

He said that the ACCI was ready to work with stakeholders across public and private sectors, to implement policies that ensured women’s full participation in economic activities.

“At ACCI, we recognise that empowering women is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for national progress.

“We will continue to champion initiatives that equip women with the skills, resources and opportunities needed to excel in business, leadership and innovation,” he said.

As part of the celebration, ACCI’s Amazon took center stage in a special video campaign where they shared their vision for a world where every woman has the opportunity to rise.

The video featured inspiring hope from ACCI Amazons.

The video emphasised their aspirations for a society that guarantees equal access to opportunities, financial independence and leadership roles for women. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and some women industrialists have called for the implementation of policies that support work-life balance and gender equality.

They made the call in Lagos at an event organised by MAN in commemoration of the International Women’s Day, annually celebrated on March 8.

The 2025 Edition has the theme: “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality.”

Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the Director-General, MAN, emphasised the need for mentorship and training programmes and active promotion of women into leadership positions.

He noted that while celebrating the achievements of women today, it was also important to reflect on the work that still lay ahead.

Ajayi-Kadir stressed the collective responsibility of the public to challenge stereotypes, dismantle barriers and advocate for policies that promote gender equality.

“As we stand here today, we recognise that women play a pivotal role in the manufacturing sector and the broader economy of Nigeria.

“Women have been at the forefront of driving growth, enhancing productivity, and bringing fresh perspectives to our industries.

“In spite of these contributions, we know that challenges remain, gender disparities persist and many women still face barriers that hinder their full participation in the workforce,” he said.

The MAN D-G called for gender diversity in the workplace to lead to improved performance, increased creativity and enhanced problem-solving capabilities.

He said that when women thrive, businesses thrive, and when businesses thrive, the nation flourished.

He also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting gender equality within the manufacturing sector.

Princess Funlayo Bakare-Okeowo, an industrialist, described Nigerian women as an unstoppable moving train.

Bakare-Okeowo, Chief Executive Officer, FAE Envelopes Ltd., however, noted that while women in other climes were breaking glass ceilings, in Nigeria, women appeared to be crawling.

She said Nigerian women in the business world must take the bull by its horns and compete fiercely to be taken seriously.

“We must stop pitying ourselves, start thinking outside the box, and partner with other women to advance business and industrialisation.

“Women must learn to mentor young ladies, hold each other’s hands, invest in trainings and partner with sectoral organisations to advance personal growth and business success.

“Let us work together to create a future where every woman can realise her full potential, where her contributions are recognised and celebrated, and where gender equality is not just a goal, but a reality,” she said.

Mrs Ekanma Akpan, CEO, Showers Group, said that women’s education was a key to acceleration, and urged women to set emotions aside in politics and business environment.

She also called on women to come together to speak with one voice for the much-needed change to be established. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

By Hamza Suleiman

Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum, has approved a two-year tax waiver for traders affected by the September 2024 flood disaster and Maiduguri Monday Market traders.

The Chairman of the Borno State Internal Revenue Service (BO-IRS), Prof. Ibrahim Bello, announced this on Sunday while briefing journalists in Maiduguri.

He stated that the waiver aims to ease the financial burden on affected traders and support business recovery.

According to him, the initiative is part of the governor’s tax administration reforms, which prioritise ease of doing business in the state.

He recalled that the devastating September 2024 flood severely impacted economic activities, leaving many residents struggling to rebuild their livelihoods.

Bello also revealed that Borno now ranks 12th nationally for improved and digitised tax administration.

He highlighted the impact of tax-generated funds, citing ongoing infrastructure projects in Jiddari, Umarari, GRA, Bulumkutu, Custom, Chad Basin, and other locations across the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo