The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has called for greater gender inclusivity in policy-making roles within the extractive industry, emphasising that such inclusion is key to promoting fairness and unlocking the nation’s full potential.
Speaking at an event commemorating the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) at NEITI House, Abuja, the Executive Secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, underscored the significance of this year’s IWD theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Action.” He highlighted the persistent gender imbalance within the extractive industry, stating that “globally, the extractive industry has been characterised by a significant gender imbalance.” He further noted that women remain underrepresented in leadership positions, often encountering barriers that limit their participation and advancement.
With women making up only 12 per cent of the labour force in the extractive sector, Orji pointed out that “the disparity limits the potential of half of the world’s population, depriving the industry of diverse perspectives essential for sustainable growth and innovation.” He urged policymakers across all levels of governance to create more inclusive spaces, promote gender equity, and support women’s participation—particularly in leadership roles where a “deep yawning gap” remains.
Orji also highlighted the slow pace of progress toward gender parity, stating that at the current rate, it would take an estimated 2,158 years—approximately five generations—to achieve full gender equality, a timeline he deemed unacceptable.
He called for urgent and coordinated action to eliminate “systemic barriers and biases impeding women’s advancement.” He stressed, “The business case for investing in women has never been clearer. To address these disparities, we must implement inclusive policies that promote gender diversity, empower women with the necessary skills and knowledge to ascend to leadership positions, ensure accountability for commitments to equity, and foster a supportive culture.”
According to Orji, the underrepresentation of women in both the extractive sector and governance is not just a social justice issue but one that affects economic efficiency and sustainable development. He noted that leadership teams with diverse gender representation, including women, “foster innovation, enhance decision-making, and improve organisational performance.”
