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Tag: development

  • Spotlight- Ikechukwu Ofuani: A Master of Government Relations, Public Policy & Public-Private Partnerships

    Spotlight- Ikechukwu Ofuani: A Master of Government Relations, Public Policy & Public-Private Partnerships

    Ikechukwu Sylvester Ofuani, LLB, BL, MPA, DPO (Ghana), is a distinguished lawyer, government affairs strategist, and public policy leader whose career spans more than 18 years across Africa, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. Renowned for his expertise in government relations, regulatory affairs, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy, he has built a reputation as one of the leading voices shaping the intersection of public policy, corporate strategy, and development across Sub-Saharan Africa.

    With professional experience cutting across healthcare, MedTech, FMCG, international trade, development, corporate communications, and public-private partnerships, Ikechukwu has consistently demonstrated the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments while fostering strategic collaboration between governments, private institutions, multilateral organisations, and civil society stakeholders.

    Over the years, he has held senior leadership roles at organisations including Policy Vault Africa, Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, and the National Identity Management Commission project. In these capacities, he has led high-level engagements with governments, regulators, trade associations, development institutions, and international stakeholders, helping organisations shape policy ecosystems, strengthen institutional relationships, and drive sustainable impact.

    A significant part of his professional journey was spent at Johnson & Johnson, where he served as Director of Government Affairs and Policy for West and Central Africa. In that role, he led health system strengthening strategies and coordinated complex partnerships involving governments, donor agencies, regulatory institutions, and healthcare stakeholders across the region. His work focused on policy reform, regulatory harmonisation, strategic communications, grants management, and advocacy initiatives designed to strengthen healthcare delivery systems.

    Ikechukwu also played a strategic role in regional health diplomacy and pandemic preparedness. As one of Johnson & Johnson’s focal persons for African Union engagements on Ebola vaccines and pandemic preparedness, he coordinated engagements involving access teams, regulatory experts, medical affairs specialists, and global public health stakeholders. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he supported vaccine deployment efforts in Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon, and contributed to initiatives to address vaccine hesitancy and improve uptake across African countries.

    His contributions to Africa’s healthcare policy ecosystem have attracted continental recognition. He has publicly represented Johnson & Johnson as Director of Worldwide Government Affairs and Policy for West and Central Africa and has participated in high-level conversations on strengthening health regulatory systems, including at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit.

    Beyond multinational corporate leadership, Ikechukwu has also distinguished himself in the advisory and policy consulting space. He currently co-leads PV Advisors and Policy Vault Africa, a policy and government affairs advisory platform that supports organisations navigating Africa’s complex regulatory and stakeholder landscape. Through the platform, he provides strategic guidance to clients across sectors, helping them engage effectively with governments, regulators, policymakers, and development institutions.

    Under his leadership, Policy Vault Africa has contributed to broader governance and institutional reform conversations across the continent. One notable example is the organisation’s engagement with Nigeria’s Ministry of Budget and National Planning on policy digitisation and the preservation of institutional memory. The initiative seeks to improve transparency, accessibility, and the preservation of authentic policy documents for governments, researchers, private-sector actors, and citizens. Ikechukwu has consistently advocated the importance of accessible and credible policy information as a foundation for informed decision-making and long-term development planning.

    Another defining area of his impact has been public health advocacy and child survival initiatives. Ikechukwu currently serves as Project Lead of the SARMAAN Advocacy Team, where he is helping reposition SARMAAN II from a donor-supported intervention into a nationally owned and sustainably financed public health priority. Through strategic advocacy, communications, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability planning, he is supporting efforts to integrate child survival interventions into Nigeria’s broader healthcare policy architecture. His work places strong emphasis on domestic financing, institutional ownership, and building trust among governments, implementing partners, and local communities.

    His ability to transform policy conversations into measurable outcomes is further evident in his work on health system-strengthening partnerships. While at Johnson & Johnson, he successfully secured a ₦300 million healthcare partnership with Kebbi State focused on improving healthcare infrastructure across oncology, mental health, and immunology. The initiative reportedly led to the identification and treatment of over 200 indigent patients and became a model replicated in additional states.

    Prior to his healthcare and advisory engagements, Ikechukwu also recorded significant achievements in trade facilitation and investment enablement during his time at Procter & Gamble Nigeria. There, he led strategic engagements with regulatory agencies and government institutions across West Africa, facilitating multimillion-dollar investment approvals, securing customs fast-track arrangements, and supporting major industrial projects. Among his notable contributions was the coordination of government-facing engagements surrounding the commissioning of a US$300 million diaper manufacturing plant in Agbara, Ogun State, attended by senior government officials including the Vice President of Nigeria.

    Beyond his corporate and policy engagements, Ikechukwu is also committed to social impact and advocacy. He currently sits on the board of Stockport Advocacy in the United Kingdom, an organisation focused on advocating for children with learning disabilities. His leadership and contributions to public-private partnerships and Africa-focused policy engagement have earned him recognition, including being named a 2024 GCC Powerlist awardee.

    What distinguishes Ikechukwu Sylvester Ofuani is his rare combination of legal training, policy expertise, stakeholder intelligence, and strategic leadership. Across multinational corporations, advisory platforms, donor-supported programmes, and government-facing initiatives, he has built a career centred on helping institutions navigate complexity, build trust with governments, and translate policy engagement into tangible social and commercial impact.

    His journey reflects the growing importance of strategic government relations and policy leadership in shaping Africa’s development trajectory. Through his work, Ikechukwu continues to demonstrate that effective engagement between the public and private sectors remains one of the most powerful tools for driving sustainable growth, institutional reform, and transformational impact across the continent.

  • Maintain Disciple, embrace Peaceful Primaries or face sanctions— Yilwatda

    Maintain Disciple, embrace Peaceful Primaries or face sanctions— Yilwatda

    The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on all aspirants seeking elective positions on the platform of the party to conduct themselves with utmost discipline, maturity, and statesmanship ahead of the forthcoming party primaries across the country.

    Professor Yilwatda gave the charge, in a statement by Abimbola Tooki, his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, while addressing aspirants who recently underwent screening exercises conducted by various committees constituted by the party for the 2027 electoral process.

    The APC National Chairman stressed that the party remains committed to transparent, peaceful, credible, and democratic primaries that will further strengthen internal democracy and consolidate the confidence Nigerians continue to repose in the ruling party.

    He warned that the leadership of the party would not tolerate any act capable of disrupting the smooth conduct of the primaries, noting that any aspirant or supporter found instigating violence, sponsoring unrest, engaging in anti-party activities, or attempting to undermine the integrity of the process would face severe disciplinary measures, including immediate suspension from the party.

    According to him, the APC has painstakingly built a reputation as the most organised and nationally accepted political platform in Nigeria, and no individual ambition would be allowed to override the collective interest of the party and the stability of the nation.
    Professor Yilwatda reminded the aspirants that contests of such nature inevitably produce winners and non-winners, stressing that democracy thrives on healthy competition, mutual respect, and acceptance of outcomes.

    “In every democratic contest, only one person will eventually emerge victorious. What is important is the spirit with which the process is approached. I urge all aspirants to display maturity, patriotism, and good sportsmanship by embracing the outcome of the primaries in the overall interest of the party and our democracy,” he stated.

    The APC National Chairman further urged all aspirants to see themselves as ambassadors of the party whose conduct before, during, and after the primaries would reflect the values, discipline, and vision of the APC.

    He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his tireless commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring the success of the party’s internal processes.

    Professor Yilwatda noted that President Tinubu has continued to invest enormous energy, political goodwill, and leadership capacity in building a stronger, more united, and forward-looking APC capable of delivering sustainable development to Nigerians.

    He therefore advised aspirants and party stakeholders to align with the President’s vision and avoid actions or utterances capable of creating division, overheating the polity, or undermining the significant progress already recorded under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “The Renewed Hope administration is laying a solid foundation for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria. This is not the time for destructive politics or selfish interests that may put a dent on the remarkable progress that has been achieved,” he said.

    Professor Yilwatda stated that despite inheriting enormous economic and structural challenges, the Tinubu administration has embarked on bold reforms aimed at repositioning the nation for long-term growth, economic stability, and national prosperity.

    He explained that the administration remains resolute in its determination to build a resilient economy capable of attaining the ambitious target of a $1 trillion economy through strategic investments, infrastructure renewal, industrial expansion, agricultural transformation, digital innovation, and energy reforms.

    The APC National Chairman highlighted several achievements recorded under the administration, including massive investments in road infrastructure across all geopolitical zones, ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation of federal highways, expansion of rail transportation networks, revitalisation of the ports sector, and unprecedented investments in energy and power infrastructure.

    He also referenced key interventions in agriculture designed to boost food security, support local production, empower farmers, and reduce dependence on imports.

    According to him, the administration has further strengthened support for small and medium-scale enterprises through access to credit facilities, youth empowerment programmes, digital economy initiatives, and reforms targeted at improving the ease of doing business.

    Professor Yilwatda noted that the administration’s policies in the solid minerals sector, oil and gas industry, education, healthcare, and technology are already yielding positive outcomes that will significantly impact both the macro and micro economy in the years ahead.

    He particularly pointed to the ongoing infrastructure layout across different parts of the country, stating that such investments would stimulate commerce, create employment opportunities, attract local and foreign investments, and improve the standard of living of ordinary Nigerians.

    “The infrastructure revolution currently ongoing under President Tinubu’s leadership will have far-reaching effects on economic productivity, job creation, market access, and national competitiveness. These are strategic investments that will transform communities and strengthen the nation’s economic foundation,” he added.

    The APC National Chairman also called on party members, aspirants, and stakeholders to remain united and committed to the collective mission of ensuring the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

    He maintained that the successes already recorded by the administration provide a compelling basis for continuity, urging party faithful across the country to mobilise support for the President and deepen the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Professor Yilwatda reaffirmed the commitment of the APC leadership to fairness, justice, inclusiveness, and internal cohesion, assuring Nigerians that the party would continue to provide purposeful leadership anchored on development, stability, and national progress.

  • FINAS 2026 Summit Sets the Stage for Action on Financing Africa’s Food Systems

    FINAS 2026 Summit Sets the Stage for Action on Financing Africa’s Food Systems

    Over one thousand stakeholders from across government, finance, development, and the private sector are set to convene in Nairobi for the Financing Agri-Food Systems Sustainably (FINAS) 2026 Summit, seeking to drive a dialogue to unlock sustainable financing for Africa’s agri-food systems.

    Scheduled to take place from 30 June to 2 July 2026, the summit will be held under the theme: “Towards Sustainable Financial Architecture for Africa’s Food Systems.” Building on the outcomes of previous editions, FINAS 2026 will place a strong emphasis on implementation, investment mobilisation, and measurable outcomes across the Africa’s agri-food systems financing landscape.

    Africa’s agri-food systems remain central to economic growth and livelihoods, contributing up to 20–30 percent of GDP in many countries and employing more than 60 percent of the workforce. Yet the sector continues to face a financing gap estimated at over USD 100 billion annually, with agriculture receiving less than five percent of formal bank lending in most markets. These gaps disproportionately affect smallholder farmers, women, youth, and agri-SMEs, even as they produce up to 70–80 percent of the continent’s food supply.

    At the same time, climate change, market volatility, and rising food import bills are increasing the urgency for resilient, inclusive, and scalable financing solutions.

    Speaking during the official media launch of FINAS 2026 Summit, Dr. Paul Ronoh, Principal Secretary, State Department of Agriculture, noted that the summit comes at a critical moment for the continent in strengthening the industry.

    “The FINAS summit provides an opportunity to take stock of the funding in the sector and check if our goals have been realised. Building on the strong track record of previous editions, this summit will unlock key opportunities for Africa. Financing must be results-oriented, delivering measurable outcomes to enhance agri-food sustainability. Let’s move forward to improve efficiency, ensuring that every shilling invested delivers value.” said Dr Ronoh in a keynote speech read on his behalf by Rashid Khator, Secretary of Administration in the State Department of Agriculture.

    Africa has spent years articulating the challenges facing its food systems. FINAS 2026 is about accelerating action, aligning policy, finance, and partnerships to unlock investment and deliver tangible results for farmers, agribusinesses, and economies.”

    Dr. Sophia Baumert, Project Manager, Sustainable Agricultural Systems and Policies (AgSys) at GIZ Kenya termed the summit as crucial platform for advancing collaboration and partnerships towards reliable, secure and timely agri-food systems in Africa.

    She said: “FINAS began as a national platform in 2024 and has advanced into a continental forum advancing agri-systems dialogue from a pan African perspective. The platform holds all actors accountable and as GIZ, we are coming to drive the dialogue as process facilitator and foster stronger collaborations towards our common goal. We look forward to a strong FINAS 2026 summit and rally more partners to join us in this cause.”

    FINAS 2026 will be preceded by a series of high-level pre-summit dialogues, targeted engagements focused on structuring an Agricultural Development Fund, unpacking the Kampala Declaration, advancing green finance as a lever for meaningful change and laying ground for the unveiling a private-sector-led agri-food systems finance working group.

    The three-day summit programme will feature a ministerial and CEO roundtable, keynote addresses, side events, and deal-making sessions centred on four core pillars: policy alignment, innovative and inclusive finance, green and climate-resilient economies, and trade, investment, and multilateral cooperation. The summit will end with some site tours whereby participants will have the opportunity to see and experience some of Kenya’s most dynamic innovation investments hubs at the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NTCCTA) in Mombasa, Konza Technopolis and Tatu City.

    According to Prof. Hamadi Boga, Vice President in charge of Programme Delivery at AGRA and the Chair FINAS Secretariat, the summit represents a turning point for the food systems finance agenda:
    “FINAS 2026 is about moving beyond commitments to coordinated delivery. By bringing together policymakers, financiers, and practitioners, the summit provides a platform to unlock capital at scale and translate policy ambitions into bankable investments that reach farmers and agri-enterprises.”

    The summit will also place strong emphasis on climate-smart finance, recognising the need to align agricultural financing with climate adaptation and mitigation goals. Jared Ochieng’, Agriculture Finance Lead at FSD Kenya underscored the importance collaboration for innovative financial models.

    He said: “Food systems in Africa have been hit with challenges such as funding & market challenges, wars and climate change. As key stakeholders, we need to join hands, reshape economies and find a greater path toward financing Africa’s agri-food systems effectively.”

    The summit comes at a time when there is growing momentum around agri-food systems transformation across Africa. Governments are increasingly prioritizing agriculture through budget allocations and policy reforms, while private sector players and development finance institutions are expanding investments into sustainable agriculture and food systems.

    Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the summit as delegates, partners, or exhibitors, and to contribute to shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and investment-ready future for Africa’s food systems

  • The crisis in the Middle East could cost Africa 0.2 percent in economic growth in 2026

    The crisis in the Middle East could cost Africa 0.2 percent in economic growth in 2026

    …To address the crisis, AfDB Chief Economist Urama urged African governments not to panic or take hasty decisions that could harm their fiscal balances

    The crisis in the Middle East is impacting global economies, with growth in African countries forecast to decline by up to 0.2 percent.

    Download document 1: https://apo-opa.co/4mBpy5u
    Download document 2: https://apo-opa.co/484mxEK

    This is according to a joint policy document presented on Tuesday, 15 April 2026, in Washington, D.C., by the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

    The report, entitled “Impacts of the Conflict in the Middle East on African Economies,” warns that African economies, which were slowly recovering from the severe consequences of COVID-19, the Russia–Ukraine war, and rising trade tariffs, could be among the most affected by the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

    Kevin Urama, Chief Economist and Vice President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management at AfDB, presented the report on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. He emphasized that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz had significant consequences for transport and trade.

    “The report reminds us that the continent demonstrates remarkable resilience,” said Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, African Union Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Mining.

    The report says the main effects of Middle Eastern conflicts on African economies include surging prices of hydrocarbons, food products, and fertilizers. They also cause disruptions to global trade, logistics, and supply chains, and made capital and foreign exchange markets volatile.

    “Eighty percent of the oil imported into Africa comes from this region, as well as 50% of refined petroleum,” said Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the ECA. As a result of these conflicts, 31 African countries were already experiencing currency depreciation, Gatete said.

    To address the crisis, AfDB Chief Economist Urama urged African governments not to panic or take hasty decisions that could harm their fiscal balances.

    The report recommends, in particular, strategic inflation management to ensure short-term price stability expectations. It cautions oil-exporting countries to adopt strict fiscal discipline by managing windfall revenues prudently, while strengthening debt-monitoring, and using energy reserves strategically. Where fiscal space allows, it advises that temporary and targeted social protection measures be deployed to shield the most vulnerable populations from the crisis.

    However, the report urges governments to avoid broad-based subsidies that could worsen long-term fiscal deficits, and to diversify sources of energy, inputs, and food supplies.

     It also recommends that African governments strengthen regional and intra-African trade in oil and fertilizer markets to enhance resilience; and ensure smooth inter-institutional coordination to harmonize strategic monetary and fiscal policies.

    At the same time, the report calls upon development partners, multilateral banks, and development finance institutions to provide emergency support to African countries through crisis response measures and technical assistance.

    It also recommends that the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is operalionalised speedily, while strengthening large-scale domestic capital mobilisation. The report also encourages Africa to diversify its energy mix by accelerating investments in renewable energy and the gas sector.

    It urges stakeholders in Africa’s financial ecosystem to speed up the implementation of the New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD), for which AfDB has recently concluded continent-wide consultations. Those consultations led to the “Abidjan Consensus” on 9 April, 2026, in the Ivorian commercial capital. They are aimed at speeding up reforms towards mobilising African financial resources at scale to boost development financing across the continent.

    United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed called for measures “to safeguard the gains already achieved at continental level. “We must work to ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals under the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 are achieved,” she stated.

    For the Senior Vice President of AfDB, Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, “there is a need for global coordination, as no country or institution can face these shocks alone. In addition, a rapid response is essential, as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, and people must be placed at the center of interventions.”

    “The shocks affect us deeply, and we have no choice but to be resilient—and African countries have the means to respond,” emphasized Ahunna Ezioknwa, Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa. “In Africa, we need to win the fight for energy independence… We must invest in domestic solutions and encourage young people to engage in innovation, digital technology, and artificial intelligence,” she added.

    After the presentation of the report, a panel discussed its content and proposed further solutions.

  • Lekki Port, Chinese Consulate Partner to Deepen Capacity Development through China Training Programme

    Lekki Port, Chinese Consulate Partner to Deepen Capacity Development through China Training Programme

    The management of Lekki Port, promoters of Lekki Deep Seaport, in collaboration with the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, has strengthened its human capital development efforts through an international training programme in China for selected staff to enhance technical capacity, operational efficiency, and global best practices in port management.

    A Knowledge Sharing Session was subsequently held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the port, providing an opportunity for participants who recently participated in the training programme to share how the experience has broadened their perspectives and equipped them with practical knowledge that can be applied to enhance operational efficiency and drive innovation at Lekki Port.

    The training provided participants with firsthand exposure to China’s advanced port infrastructure, technological systems, and industrial development. Participants gained insights into efficient logistics operations, innovation-driven processes, and the integration of modern technologies in port management.

    Speaking at the Knowledge Sharing Session, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, Wang Qiang, expressed his appreciation to the Chinese Consulate for their continued support and for providing valuable training opportunities that have significantly enhanced the capacity and exposure of Lekki Port’s workforce.

    Qiang noted that the training programme reflects Lekki Port’s commitment to public-private partnerships, cross-cultural exchange, and continuous workforce development to meet evolving industry demands while deepening global partner relationships.

    “At Lekki Port, collaboration is at the core of our business model, and cultural exchange is a key part of that commitment. We will continue to promote initiatives like this to strengthen our operations and global outlook.  We will continuously send our people for such training in the future,” he said.

    In her remarks, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Yan Yuqing, explained that the initiative reflects China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation through knowledge exchange and capacity building, with Nigeria playing a key role as a strategic partner.

    Yuqing added that the programme is designed not only to expose participants to China’s development and culture, but also to create a platform for mutual learning and stronger institutional ties.

    “China and Africa share a strong and growing relationship, and talent development is a key part of that partnership. Through programmes like this, we aim to provide opportunities for participants to understand China’s development, culture, and innovation, while also strengthening cooperation between our countries. These participants are not just learners; they are ambassadors of China-Nigeria friendship, and we hope they will apply what they have learned to drive development in their respective organisations,” she added.

    Expressing his gratitude, a participant of the China Training Programme, Mattew Oloyede, said that the training provided invaluable exposure to advanced port operations, cutting-edge technologies, and structured systems that drive efficiency in global maritime hubs. He noted that the knowledge gained will be applied to improve processes, strengthen teamwork, and support Lekki Port’s ambition to remain a leading maritime hub in Africa.

    Underscoring its commitment to innovation and excellence, Lekki Port consistently capitalises on global synergies and human capital investment to foster sustained maritime advancement.

  • Esso Host ‘Meet the Member Buyer’ in Lagos to Deepen Supplier Diversity

    Esso Host ‘Meet the Member Buyer’ in Lagos to Deepen Supplier Diversity

    Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd. (EEPNL) hosted a focused Supplier Diversity engagement, “Meet the Member Buyer,” on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at its Ikoyi office, reaffirming its focus on deepening supplier diversity, inclusive sourcing and local capacity development within Nigeria’s energy sector.

    The session was designed to deepen collaboration and broaden procurement access for women-owned businesses. It convened WEConnect International members and certified women-owned businesses operating across various segments of the energy value chain.

    In his remarks, Etabuko Arbihire, Executive Director, Development, EEPNL, emphasized that Esso’s Supplier Diversity Programme goes beyond policy declarations. He noted that the initiative establishes structured, practical pathways enabling capable women-owned enterprises to participate meaningfully in procurement opportunities within the oil and gas sector.

    Abirhire highlighted that driving inclusion in a technically demanding and highly regulated industry requires more than simply opening vendor registration platforms. According to him, it requires intentional engagement, clarity on requirements, and direct, trust-building interactions between buyers and suppliers to enhance capability, confidence, and competitiveness.

    “At Esso, we believe strong partnerships drive sustainable progress. Our Supplier Diversity Programme underscores our focus on creating real opportunities for Nigerian businesses, especially women-owned enterprises that bring innovation, agility, and value to the energy industry,” he noted.

    He further reiterated that, despite ExxonMobil affiliates’ divestment from shallow-water assets, the company remains strongly invested in Nigeria’s Deepwater through its operated assets at Erha and Usan, with growth plans in the near-, mid-, and long-term.

    Abirhire explained that the programme was convened to enable women-owned businesses to tap into emerging growth opportunities, emphasizing that the initiative aims to build a more resilient and inclusive supply chain that promotes operational excellence, economic participation, and long-term value creation for communities and industry stakeholders.

    “The ‘Meet the Member Buyer’ engagement is not just a networking event, it is a deliberate step toward strengthening transparency, improving access to procurement, and advancing Nigeria’s local content objectives,” he added.

    Representing the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Alexis Emelle, Senior Manager, Capacity Building, reaffirmed the Board’s dedication to supporting women-owned businesses with access to funding. She stressed the importance of capacity development, documentation, and readiness to meet industry standards.

    During the interactive session, participants engaged directly with senior officials from EEPNL and the NCDMB, who addressed questions on procurement processes, regulatory expectations, and growth pathways. Both organizations pledged to continue reducing barriers that limit access to opportunities and financing for women entrepreneurs.

    Through initiatives such as the Supplier Diversity Programme, Esso continues to deepen supplier diversity in the Nigerian business ecosystem – particularly women-led enterprises striving to scale and integrate in the energy industry’s supply chain.