Gender Inclusivity, Health Investments, Critical to Nigeria’s Economic Prosperity – NESG

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has called for deliberate efforts on gender inclusivity in trade opportunities and health as an investment for economic returns that must be included in discussions about economic prosperity in Nigeria. This call was made by the NESG CEO Designate, Dr. Tayo Aduloju, in Abuja while speaking at the forthcoming […]

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has called for deliberate efforts on gender inclusivity in trade opportunities and health as an investment for economic returns that must be included in discussions about economic prosperity in Nigeria.

This call was made by the NESG CEO Designate, Dr. Tayo Aduloju, in Abuja while speaking at the forthcoming Policy Innovation Centre Gender and Inclusion Summit (GS-23). It is organised by the Policy Innovation Center (PIC), an initiative of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).

He said: “Trade agreements and policies have varied impacts on health determinants. To facilitate the advancement of a gender-inclusive society, it is necessary to consider how trade, investment, and health policies/interventions affect women, men, and vulnerable populations differently.”

Quoting data from the World Economic Forum Global Gender Ranking Index rating, he said Nigeria’s gender gap has widened, dropping from 123 in 2022 to 130 in 2023 of 146 countries. Thus, “this year’s theme is anchored on the understanding that in our pursuit of progress and prosperity, gender equity, trade, and inclusive health policies and programs are critical for sustainable development” he noted.

Dr. Aduloju further indicated that “trade has the power to change people’s lives, communities, and entire nations, we define it in the context of our summit as the voluntary exchange of goods, services, and resources. Parallel to this, health is the total state of one’s physical, mental, and social well-being and is thus a vital component of human development.”

He observed that a nation’s overall development, labour productivity, and rate of economic growth are significantly influenced by trade and health.

“We see how rising healthcare costs, deteriorating infrastructure, a lack of equipment and essential medicines, and brain drain of health workers limit physical and financial access to health services. Health as an investment for economic returns must be included in discussions about economic prosperity, particularly in developing economies like Nigeria” he said.

According to him, health, “must be viewed as both an investment and a catalyst for economic growth. Evidence suggests that in developing countries such as Nigeria, every dollar invested in health yields an economic return of $2 to $4. “

“Nigerian maternal mortality remains among the highest in the world, with over 50,000 women dying every year because of pregnancy-related complications and a maternal mortality ratio estimated between 500 the high-level forum on the SDGs has partnered with the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) to ensure seamless delivery of the Gender and Inclusion Summit 2023” he stated.