Experts call for more involvement of women in agribusiness trade, export
Experts in agriculture, trade and export enterprises have called for more involvement and participation of Nigerian women in agribusiness trade and export to enhance women socioeconomic earnings and contribution to the nation’s economy.
They made the call on Monday at the launch and inauguration of Women in Agribusiness, Trade and Export (WATEX), as part of activities marking the celebration of the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD).
Speaking, the Chairman, World Trade Organisation Nigeria, Prof. Ngozi Egbuna, advocated that women should be put in the frontline of agribusiness trade and export, and be encouraged as “they have the capacity of multiplying whatever is kept in their custody”.
Egbuna noted that youths population is rapidly increasing but unfortunately there is still import dependence, and rural unemployment persistence due to lack of focus on agriculture, agribusiness trade and the export-ability of local agricultural produce.
According to her, this problem cannot be properly addressed with old economic models.
She, therefore, advocated for active involvement of women in agribusiness trade and export, replacing survival mechanism with striving enterprise spirit, subsistence with innovation, and raw material dependence to produce value-addition.
Corroborating, Mrs. Stella Iwuagwu, grand patron of WATEX, advised that efforts should be made to ensure that what women are producing locally meets international standard for export.
Iwuagwu, a social entrepreneur and farmer, called on government, multinational companies and agencies/bodies to cooperate with women to ensure that there would be market for their products at the international level.
In the same vein, the Founder of WATEX and CEO of DGC Export Limited, Dr. Queen Onyinye Okpa, emphasised that one of the major intentions of the organiser is to empower women to participate actively in agricultural production, value addition and export.
Okpa reiterated that veritable efforts should be made to capture the teens (youths) to develop genuine interests in agribusiness trade and exports.
“The organisation aims at creating more business opportunities in agribusiness,’ she added.
Contributing, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr Chinyere Ogugua Agagbo (lyom Adaejiejemba) appreciated the organiser of the event and challenged women to come to the front burners in every sphere of business development especially in agribusiness trade and export.
Agagbo, who is a women leader and health expert, noted that there would be action plans and strategies to promote WATEX members across age spectrum to be actively engaged in agribusiness and export.
She called for stronger partnership between government and the private sector in agribusiness value chains and export.
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion and made useful contributions included: the executive members of Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Nigeria Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), and Nigeria Air Force Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA).
Others that spoke included: GIZ, United Nations Officers, World Trade Centre (WTC) Officials, and Afreximbank officials.
They all stressed the need for women to come together to chart a new course of action on advancing the future of Nigerian women in business especially in agribusiness and exportation.
One of the highlights of the events is the inauguration of WATEX National Executive members by one of the organization’s Grand Patrons, Dr Benedine Eloka, amidst jubilation.
Those inaugurated included the Founder of WATEX, Dr. Queen Onyinye Okpa; National President, Hon. Dr Uche Ezeh; National Vice President, Hon. Dr. Hajarat Ibrahim; National Vice President 2, Ijeoma Ezenwa; and National Secretary, Barr. Chinenye Imoisi among others.