NGX Champions Gender Equality, Partners Global Bodies

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group has restated its commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s participation in the capital market ecosystem, recognising that empowering women is essential to building stronger capital markets and a more resilient economy.

The group in collaboration with Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS) and Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), convened leaders from across the public and private sectors to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026 through the global Ring the Bell for Gender Equality initiative.

Aligned with the UN Women theme ‘Rights, Justice, Action – For All Women and Girls’, the event, held during the Nigerian Exchange Closing Gong Ceremony, served as a call for sustained action to advance gender equality and expand women’s participation in economic leadership.

The group managing director/chief executive officer of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, emphasised the critical role capital markets must play in shaping inclusive economic growth.

“Capital markets are powerful engines for economic transformation. When women participate fully as leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors, markets become stronger, deeper, and more resilient. At NGX Group, we remain committed to advancing policies, partnerships, and platforms that expand opportunities for women and accelerate inclusive prosperity,” he said.

The minister of state for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, commended NGX Group and its partners for advancing gender inclusion through the initiative.

“I congratulate NGX Group and its partners for sustaining this important global movement and for championing gender equality within our financial ecosystem. Together, let us continue to open the doors of opportunity, so the next generation of women can lead with confidence and help transform our world,” she said.

First Lady of Imo State, Chioma Uzodimma, called for collective action to expand opportunities for women and girls.

The chief executive officer of Nigerian Exchange, Jude Chiemeka, emphasised the importance of broadening women’s participation in the capital market ecosystem, saying that “when more women participate in the market as investors and professionals, we deepen the market and strengthen the foundation for sustainable growth.”

Regional industry manager for Financial Institutions at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, Claude Owona, underscored the role of capital markets in translating gender equality commitments into real economic outcomes.