The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has called for stronger support for women entrepreneurs, particularly through improved access to finance, markets, technology and mentorship, to deepen their contribution to Abuja’s economy.
Mahmoud made the call at the closing of the Women in Business and Impact Day of the Abuja Business and Investment Summit/Expo, ABIE, 2026, organised by Abuja Investments Company Limited, AICL.
The minister, in a statement issued on Friday by her Special Assistant on Media, Austine Elemue, said women entrepreneurs were already making significant contributions to job creation, innovation, family welfare and national development, but required greater opportunities and support to expand their impact.
“Women entrepreneurs are making significant contributions to job creation, innovation, family welfare and national development,” she said, stressing the need to provide them with greater access to finance, markets, technology, mentorship and leadership opportunities.
The Minister also urged participants at the summit to move beyond conversations and turn the partnerships and ideas generated during the event into practical investments capable of producing lasting economic benefits.
“The Minister urged participants to translate the ideas and partnerships generated at the event into practical actions and sustainable investments capable of creating lasting economic impact.”
Mahmoud said the FCT Administration would continue to invest in critical infrastructure, improve the ease of doing business and promote policies that encourage private sector participation.
She said the efforts were in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly its focus on economic diversification, entrepreneurship, innovation, women’s empowerment and private sector-led growth.
The Minister further expressed confidence that the partnerships and investment opportunities generated through ABIE 2026 would translate into measurable progress for Abuja and the Nigerian economy.
She commended AICL, development partners, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and participants for the success of the programme.
The statement also quoted the Group Managing Director/CEO of AICL, Amb. Maureen Tamuno, saying that the first two days of ABIE 2026 had showcased Abuja’s investment potential and facilitated strategic partnerships and landmark Memoranda of Understanding aimed at contributing to the sustainable development of the FCT and Nigeria.
Tamuno commended the keynote speaker, Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe-Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Office of the President of Ghana and former Minister of Gender, as well as Mahmoud, for their contributions and support to the Women’s Impact Day.
She also appreciated partners, exhibitors, sponsors, investors, speakers and participants for making ABIE 2026 a success, reaffirming AICL’s commitment to building an innovative, inclusive and globally competitive Abuja in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
