NECCI PR Round Table: Tackling gender gaps in Nigeria’s tech

In an industry where rapid advancements have left women’s contributions underrepresented, Nigeria’s 24th NECCI Public Relations Roundtable is sounding a call to action for gender equity in technology. The conference, held at Lagos’s Eko Hotel, saw tech and PR leaders, government officials, and industry pioneers unite under the theme “Women in Technology – Breaking Barriers.” The event highlighted both the barriers women face in this field and the critical role they play in driving innovation and economic growth. Against a backdrop of a male-dominated tech industry, this year’s NECCI PR Roundtable in Lagos focused on a pressing issue: how to break down the barriers holding back women in technology. With a call for gender equity that resonated across Nigeria’s business, tech, and PR communities, the event emphasized the vital role women can—and should—play in shaping the country’s digital future.

The convener, Dr. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, opened the conference by emphasizing NECCI’s longstanding commitment to driving social change. She noted that while tech powers economies, Nigerian women are vastly underrepresented in this transformative sector, facing both structural and societal challenges. Ali-Balogun said it’s time to shift the focus from merely discussing these barriers to dismantling them for good. Keynote speaker Olatomiwa Williams, CEO of Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, highlighted that gender bias continues to hinder women’s progress in tech. She called for targeted interventions like mentorship and sponsorship, explaining that systemic support can equip women to confidently pursue tech careers and leadership roles. Williams also referenced her own experiences, underlining the importance of fostering equitable workplaces where both men and women can thrive. A powerful panel discussion featured leaders like Airtel’s Ogo Ofomata and Taicorp’s Adesuwa Imasekha, who addressed the need for support networks to combat issues such as ‘imposter syndrome’—a common challenge for many women in tech. Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Deputy Governor of Ogun State and event chairperson, expanded on this, explaining that achieving balanced representation is crucial for fostering true innovation.

She shared insights from her own experiences in male-dominated industries, noting that Nigeria’s tech ecosystem needs the diverse perspectives that women bring. “Equitable representation in technology isn’t just a women’s issue. It benefits everyone. Diverse teams drive innovation, and in sectors like fintech, agritech, and healthtech, a gender-diverse workforce is essential for sustainable growth.” The conference concluded with an awards ceremony, celebrating notable advocates for gender inclusivity, including Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele and Professor Ralph Akinfeleye, who were inducted into the NECCI Hall of Fame. Dr. Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, presented the awards, acknowledging the honorees’ roles in championing an inclusive vision for Nigeria’s digital future. For many of the speakers and attendees, this event was not only a forum for discussion but a powerful call to action—a reminder that achieving gender equity in technology is essential to Nigeria’s future