The Security Exchange Commission (SEC) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with stakeholders to drive more gender-focused financial inclusion policies, encouraging financial institutions and market operators to introduce more products tailored to the unique needs of women.

Samiya Usman, the Executive Commissioner for Corporate Services,  made the commitment while speaking at the She’s Included Gender Inclusion Conference and Summit 2025, with the theme; ‘Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Economic and Financial Inclusion,’

She also called for expanded investor education programs to reach even more women, particularly in underserved regions and support women-led businesses and SMEs in accessing capital market financing for growth and sustainability.

The SEC Executive Commissioner said that despite the progress made, several barriers still hinder women’s full participation in the financial sector ranging from cultural limitations to financial literacy gaps, inadequate access to credit, and predominance of informal economic activities among women.

Over the years according to her, SEC has taken deliberate steps to ensure that the Nigerian capital market fosters inclusivity and caters to the unique financial needs of women.

She pointed out that through policy advocacy, regulatory frameworks, and partnerships, the commission has continued to encourage the development of women-focused financial products and services.

“I am pleased to highlight that some of our capital market operators have heeded this call by designing tailored investment solutions. Through these initiatives, thousands of women have gained the knowledge required to participate meaningfully in the capital market.

Usman stated that in Northern Nigeria, in particular, financial exclusion remains a pressing concern, making it imperative to intensify efforts to bridge the gap.

“We acknowledge that there remains a lot of work to be done. Knowledge is key, and financial empowerment ensures that communities as a whole reap the benefits of economic progress.

“We are delighted to be part of this noble initiative, which aligns with our unwavering commitment to fostering financial inclusion, empowering women, and strengthening economic resilience.

Speaking further she emphasized the Commission’s dedication to fostering an inclusive financial ecosystem that empowers women across all sectors, stressing that as Nigeria’s apex regulator of the capital market, the SEC operates with a dual mandate to regulate and develop the market.

Usman also noted that SEC recognizes the pivotal role financial inclusion plays in national development, stressing that a financially empowered woman is an empowered household, and an empowered household is the bedrock of a prosperous economy.