WCCI Launches Credit Cooperative Union to Drive Women’s Financial Inclusion
By Raymond Enoch
The Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) has taken a bold step toward fostering financial inclusion for women with the official unveiling of the WCCI Credit Cooperative Union (WCCI-CCU) at Merit House, Abuja. Under the theme “She Financial Inclusion,”
The event which took place at Merit House Abuja 19th February 2025 , brought together key policymakers, financial experts, and influential stakeholders committed to empowering women economically.
In her welcome address, Ambassador Zainab Mohammed, Founder and CEO of WCCI, emphasized that the initiative is not just about providing financial access but about restoring dignity and ensuring that women are active participants in economic growth.
She highlighted the stark reality that 70% of the 10 million women-owned SMEs worldwide remain unbanked or underbanked, resulting in a $300 billion financing gap.
“WCCI-CCU is here to break the cycle of financial exclusion and put power in the hands of women who have long been denied their fair share,” she declared.
Dr. Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro, Technical Adviser to the President on Financial Inclusion, delivered the first keynote speech, stressing the importance of financial inclusion as a tool for national economic growth. He underscored that bridging the gender gap in financial services will lead to a stronger, more inclusive economy. The second keynote speech was delivered by the Head of the Financial Inclusion Delivery Unit at the Central Bank of Nigeria, who reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering women through targeted financial policies.
The launch also featured goodwill messages from notable dignitaries, including Hon. Imma Suleiman Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs; Princess Edna DD Azura of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS); and representatives from the Department of State Services and the Embassy of The Gambia. The Ambassador of The Gambia to Nigeria praised WCCI-CCU as a “lifeline for women entrepreneurs,” stressing that empowering women financially will result in sustainable economic transformation.
A series of paper presentations provided insightful perspectives on various aspects of financial inclusion. The Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Cooperative Financing Agency of Nigeria delivered a paper on “Engendering Financial Inclusion in Nigeria,” while Hon. Gloria Umukotete discussed “Women and Investment Opportunities for Women through Cooperative Societies.” Mrs. Rose D. S. Gyar, Chairman of the Governing Council Forum of MSME, emphasized the role of financial inclusion in economic growth, and Dr. Jummai Ahmadu spoke on “Strategic Partnerships for Economic Development.”
Further goodwill messages were delivered by Hon. Dr. Dayo Benjamin Laniyi, Mandate Secretary for FCT Women Affairs; Arch. Mrs. Comfort Adesoye, President of Women of Worth Global; and HRH Hajiya Hauwa Ibrahim Yunusa, Chairperson of the FCT Traditional Rulers Wives Association.
WCCI-CCU aims to provide interest-free loans, entrepreneurial training, and investment opportunities for women, empowering them to scale their businesses and contribute meaningfully to economic development. The cooperative underscores the growing recognition that investing in women is not just a social imperative but an economic necessity.
As the event concluded, the message was clear: Women are not just participants in the economy; they are builders of industries, creators of wealth, and architects of lasting change. The launch of WCCI-CCU marks a new era in women’s financial empowerment in Nigeria and beyond.
