At the launch of Nigeria’s Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Roadmap 2025–2035, the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, and former First Bank Chairperson, Ibukun Awosika, called for policies to guarantee at least 30% women’s representation in political cabinets and equal opportunities across governance and business.
Gatekeepers News reports that the GESI roadmap, unveiled at the third Gender Impact Investment Summit (GIIS) organized by the Impact Investors Foundation (IIF) in Lagos, sets out a decade-long plan to mobilize $8 billion in inclusive capital by 2035. It also launched the Nigeria Inclusive Capital Commitment 2035 campaign, designed to accelerate gender-focused investment and accountability.
Sanusi argued that supporting women-led businesses and enterprises is “a matter of common sense,” but one complicated by entrenched interests.
“Some of the problems were deliberately created because those who benefited from the male-dominated world were unwilling to relinquish their privileges,” he said.
Awosika stressed that Nigeria cannot achieve its full potential without maximizing the contributions of women and other marginalized groups.
“Our weaknesses will be obvious, but it’s clear that even as we acknowledge them, we will realise that not maximising women and other groups, such as disabled people, becomes a factor that has undermined our ability to perform at the maximum level,” she said.
“The GESI roadmap moves us beyond aspiration to accountability, demanding that stakeholders not only mobilise inclusive capital at scale but also embed GESI principles into every investment decision and policy.”
Etemore Glover, CEO of IIF, described the roadmap as “a blueprint for a significant shift in Nigeria’s economy,” while Jessica Espinoza, CEO of 2X Global, underscored the need for deliberate action:
“Progress is strategic, not accidental, which is why the GESI roadmap is a critical blueprint for Nigeria’s future.”
