Cross River State has emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading states in advancing women’s economic empowerment, according to the latest State of Women’s Economic Empowerment report released by civic-tech organisation, BudgIT.
The report, presented on Monday, assessed how Nigeria’s 36 states are enabling women to participate and thrive economically across five key pillars: agriculture, entrepreneurship, labour markets, emerging industries, and education and skills acquisition.
Speaking at the presentation, BudgIT’s Senior Gender Analyst, Damilola Onemano, said Cross River stood out due to “strong, measurable outcomes in sectors that are critical to women’s long-term economic inclusion.”
According to the report, Cross River recorded the highest score nationwide in the agriculture pillar, scoring 3.5 out of a possible four points.
BudgIT said the result reflects deliberate policies aimed at integrating women into agricultural production and improving access to land.
“Cross River’s performance in agriculture reflects deliberate policy choices that prioritise women within the agricultural value chain,” Onemano said
The state also recorded notable progress in women’s land ownership, with rates exceeding 10 per cent but below 15 per cent.
BudgIT described the figure as significant in a country where women’s access to land remains largely limited, especially in rural communities.
In the emerging industries pillar, which covers sectors such as information and communication technology, the green economy, creative industries and digital entrepreneurship, Cross River ranked among only three states — alongside Lagos and Kaduna — to achieve a green score.
The report noted that no state attained the highest aspirational rating in this category.
“These states are laying the groundwork for women to participate in future-facing industries that will drive economic growth,” the report stated.
The report further highlighted Cross River’s fiscal commitments to women, listing it among four states — alongside Lagos, Gombe and Ebonyi — with specific budgetary allocations supporting women’s access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and training.
Cross River also featured among a small group of states with dedicated budget lines for women in creative arts, entertainment and culture.
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