Stakeholders have called for increased economic inclusion of women in Nigeria’s extractive sector, urging regulators, policymakers and community leaders to address structural barriers that limit women’s participation in decision-making and access to opportunities.

The call formed part of a communiqué adopted at the end of a one-day mentorship programme on women’s economic inclusion through extractive justice and the protection of women’s rights in the extractive sector, organised by the Niger Delta Budget Monitoring Group (NDEBUMOG) in collaboration with Oxfam in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The communiqué, on Thursday, was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of NDEBUMOG, George-Hill Anthony, and the participants’ representative, Abigail Udofia.

Participants at the programme were drawn from extractive host communities, female student leaders, members of the Nigeria Civic Space Protection Alliance (NCSPA), Women Shadow Budget Groups, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, community associations and other grassroots stakeholders.

During technical sessions moderated by NDEBUMOG’s think-tank, participants examined extractive value chains and opportunities available to women, while reviewing challenges affecting gender inclusion in the sector.

The stakeholders observed that despite women’s historical contributions to societal development, they continue to face economic and political marginalisation, particularly in Africa, due to cultural, religious and institutional factors that have evolved into policies and practices that limit their access to opportunities.

They further noted that gender inequality remains one of the most enduring forms of social and economic exclusion, with unequal power structures and discriminatory laws contributing to the continued impoverishment of women across the world.

The communiqué also expressed concern over what participants described as the lopsided composition of more than 100 Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs) established in oil-producing communities under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), arguing that women are largely underrepresented in governance structures meant to address the developmental needs of host communities.

According to the participants, the PIA was enacted to provide redress for longstanding injustices suffered by host communities, affecting both men and women, and therefore should promote equitable representation.

To address the challenges, the stakeholders urged extractive industry regulators to adopt gender-sensitive approaches in the structuring and administration of host community trusts, particularly in board composition, project implementation and community-based management frameworks.