SEC Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Financial Inclusion
director-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama
Samuel Mobolaji
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reiterated its commitment to advancing financial inclusion for women, ensuring they have equitable access to financial services, investment opportunities, and the tools needed to build sustainable wealth.
Speaking at the She’s Included Gender Inclusion Conference and Summit 2025, themed “Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Economic and Financial Inclusion,” SEC’s Executive Commissioner for Corporate Services, Mrs. Samiya Usman, emphasised the Commission’s role in fostering an inclusive financial ecosystem.
“As Nigeria’s apex capital market regulator, we recognise that financial empowerment for women translates into stronger households and a more prosperous economy,” Usman stated.
She highlighted the SEC’s deliberate efforts to make the capital market more inclusive through policy advocacy, regulatory frameworks, and the promotion of women-focused financial products. She cited initiatives such as United Capital’s Women Wealth for Women Fund and innovative financial solutions in the commodities market aimed at increasing women’s participation in agribusiness.
Usman also underscored the SEC’s commitment to investor education, revealing that thousands of women, including market traders, small business owners, and professionals, have benefited from targeted financial literacy programmes.
Despite these strides, she acknowledged persistent challenges such as cultural barriers, financial literacy gaps, and limited access to credit, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where financial exclusion remains a pressing issue.
“We must work collectively to dismantle these barriers. Financial empowerment is key to driving economic progress, and the SEC remains committed to deepening gender-focused financial inclusion policies, expanding investor education, and supporting women-led businesses in accessing market-based financing,” Usman added.
She reaffirmed the SEC’s dedication to collaborating with stakeholders to introduce more tailored financial products and ensure women across all sectors benefit from a more inclusive financial system.
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