#IWD2026: NANTS President Celebrates Women’s Impact in Trade, Agriculture, ICT, Calls for Greater Economic Inclusion - The National Association of Nigerian Traders NANTS

The President of the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), Ken Ukaoha, has joined the global community in celebrating women across Nigeria and beyond as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day.

In a press statement released on Saturday, the NANTS President applauded women for their resilience, innovation, and far-reaching contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth, particularly in trade, agriculture, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and other critical sectors of the economy.

Mr. Ukaoha noted that women remain the backbone of Nigeria’s informal and formal trade sectors, driving commerce in local markets, border communities, and digital platforms despite prevailing economic challenges.

“Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and enterprise of women who power our markets and sustain our economy. From small-scale traders to large-scale distributors, Nigerian women continue to demonstrate exceptional courage and commitment,” he said.

He further highlighted the enormous involvement of women in the agricultural sector, describing them as central to food production, processing, storage, and distribution across the country. According to him, women farmers and agro-entrepreneurs play a crucial role in ensuring food security, stabilizing rural economies, and supporting value chains that feed millions of households.

“Women are not only active participants in agriculture; they are key drivers of food security and agro-based innovation. Their contributions across farming, agro-processing, and agribusiness are indispensable to national development,” he stated.

Ukaoha also commended the growing presence of women in the ICT sector, noting that many are leading innovations in digital trade, fintech solutions, e-commerce, and technology-driven services that are reshaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. He emphasized that women in tech are bridging gaps, creating employment opportunities, and expanding Nigeria’s footprint in the global digital economy.

“As an association committed to promoting fair trade and protecting the interests of Nigerian traders, we recognize that women’s contributions extend beyond traditional markets. In ICT, agriculture, manufacturing, services, and the creative economy, women continue to break barriers and redefine possibilities,” he added.

The NANTS President stressed that empowering women should go beyond celebration, calling for deliberate policies that improve access to finance, capacity-building programs, land ownership rights, digital inclusion, and stronger representation in economic decision-making processes.

He further commended women who continue to create opportunities for others, mentor younger entrepreneurs, and build sustainable enterprises despite structural challenges.

International Women’s Day is celebrated globally every March 8 to recognize the achievements of women and advocate for gender equality and inclusive development.

Ukaoha concluded by encouraging women traders, farmers, innovators, and professionals to remain steadfast and visionary in their pursuits.

“Happy International Women’s Day to all women — traders, farmers, tech innovators, and leaders across sectors. Your dedication and impact are the pillars of our economy, and the future is brighter because of you,” he stated.