By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has declared that Nigeria’s progress is directly tied to the strategic empowerment of women, urging stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to accelerate gender inclusion and leadership opportunities.

Speaking at the 3rd edition of the PENGASSAN Women Annual Convention (PWAC 2026) held in Abuja, the Minister emphasized that “when women rise with purpose, industries evolve, and when women unite with vision, nations are transformed.”

The event, organized by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Women Commission, brought together female professionals, industry leaders, and policymakers under the theme “The Dynamic Woman: Shaping Tomorrow — Influence, Impact and Legacy.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive development under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that women, families, and vulnerable groups remain central to national growth strategies.

She revealed that 2026 has been designated as the
“Year of Families and Social Development,” stressing that strong families, largely sustained by women, are fundamental to national resilience.

Despite their critical contributions, the Minister noted that women currently make up only 15 to 20 percent of the workforce in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, with even fewer occupying leadership roles.

She described the gap as a “missed national opportunity” and called for deliberate reforms to boost female participation.

She also spotlighted key government initiatives, including the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention (RHSII-774), aimed at reaching all 774 local government areas, and a newly approved Affirmative Procurement Policy designed to increase access to contracts and economic opportunities for women-owned businesses.

“These policies are not symbolic; they are structural pathways to move women from the margins to the mainstream of economic power,” she said.

In his remarks, PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, commended the growing influence of women within the union and the broader energy sector, describing them as “leaders, innovators, and change-makers.”

Osifo acknowledged the contributions of the PENGASSAN Women Commission, led by Maryann Ada Mbanaso, noting that women in the association are increasingly occupying strategic leadership positions across branches and national structures.

He, however, raised concerns over the country’s economic challenges, including rising fuel prices linked to global tensions and worsening electricity supply, urging the government to mitigate the impact on citizens.

Earlier in her welcome address, Mbanaso described the convention as a platform for advancing women’s leadership, influence, and legacy within the energy sector. She highlighted significant milestones achieved by the commission, including increased female representation in union leadership and national labour structures.
“Our journey reflects that women are not just participants but architects of transformation and drivers of innovation,” she said.

The two-day convention continues with sessions focused on mentorship, policy advocacy, and capacity building, as stakeholders push for stronger inclusion of women in Nigeria’s critical economic sectors.