Nigeria's VP Shettima: Gender Gap Costs Trillions

During the Second National Gender Inclusion Conference, #SheIsIncluded 2026, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima emphasized that Nigeria's ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy cannot be realized without the full economic participation of women. He noted that only 47% of Nigerian women have formal financial accounts compared to 58% of men, which limits their access to capital and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Shettima, represented by Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, outlined four strategic platforms aimed at bridging the gender gap in financial inclusion. He described investing in women as a growth strategy rather than charity and urged financial institutions to treat gender-intentional finance as a viable market.

He called for accountability in commitments made at the conference, insisting that success should be measured by tangible outcomes such as business expansion and job creation, rather than mere participation.