IWD: NEITI Calls For Gender Inclusion In Extractive Industries
By Stephanie Odiase
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has called for gender inclusivity in policy making positions in Nigeria’s extractive industry to enhance the principles of fairness and unlock the full potentials of the nation.
The Executive Secretary of NEITI Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, made the call at a special event to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) held at NEITI House, Abuja.
Highlighting the theme of this year’s IWD “Invest in Women: Accelerate Action,” Dr. Orji noted that globally, the extractive industry has been characterized by a significant gender imbalance, adding that “Women remain underrepresented in key top positions, often facing barriers that hinder their full participation and advancement”.
He explained that with women constituting a mere 12% of the labour force in the extractive sector, the disparity limits the potential of half of the world’s population and deprives the industry of diverse perspectives essential for sustainable growth and innovation.
Dr. Orji called on policy makers at all levels of governance to foster a wider space for inclusion, gender equity, and support within the society, particularly in the extractive sector and governance at large, especially, at the leadership level where there is a deep gap.
He explained further that with the current rate of progress, achieving full gender parity is projected to take until 2158 years, approximately five generations from now. While noting that the projected timeline is unacceptable, he called for immediate and concerted efforts to dismantle “systemic barriers and biases impeding women’s advancement.”
“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,” Orji stated.
He added that “The underrepresentation of women in both the extractive sector and governance is not merely a matter of social justice; it is an issue that impacts economic efficiency and sustainable development, with diverse leadership teams under women known to foster innovation, enhance decision-making, and improve organizational performance.”
While commending the realm of governance in Nigeria, he noted that women’s representation at the federal level in Nigeria has seen some progress, noting however, that much remains to be achieved.
“While there have been notable appointments of women to ministerial and other key positions, the overall percentage of women in federal governance roles does not yet reflect a balanced or equitable representation especially in elected positions.
The keynote speaker at the event, the President of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor, stated that the theme of this year’s IWD, calls for rapid progress in achieving gender equality and the need to confront the persistent challenges women face globally, while exploring ways to mitigate them.
While identifying some key challenges faced by women, to include “Societal mindset, low self-expectations, and cultural barriers, she urged women to be professional, competent, and result-driven, integrating technology into their work and uphold integrity.”
The Representative of Women/Geoscientists on the NEITI Board, Engr. Mrs. Nkechi Isigwe, emphasized that women have consistently demonstrated leadership and resilience in the extractive industry, and urged NEITI to use its position to continue to push for further inclusion and change in the sector.
The Country Officer, Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), Ms. Tengii Ikoli in her remark, applauded NEITI for creating a platform where women can connect and exchange ideas.
She noted that as the energy transition progresses, women who have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s development are often left behind, and called for action to advocate for women’s rights at all levels of government and society.
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