Sourced news brief · Source report: 2026-10-05
World Bank country director Mathew Verghis says reducing gender gaps in agriculture, self-employment and paid work could unlock substantial economic gains for Nigeria.
Voice of Nigeria reported his estimate of US$22.9 billion, equivalent to 5.8 per cent of GDP, at the launch of a women’s investment fund in Katsina. The figure is an estimate cited by the official, not money already generated.
Verghis described barriers in access to finance, markets, skills, technology and productive assets. He said the US$540 million Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up is intended to help participants build stronger enterprises.
He also called on private financial institutions to see women-owned businesses as customers and commercial partners. The central issue is whether funding and support translate into sustainable enterprises. Announced investment, access to a programme and realised economic benefits are separate measures.
Source: Voice of Nigeria — original report. This is an original Aoedus summary of the linked reporting.
Source photograph. Image credit/source: Voice of Nigeria.
