In Nigeria, women-owned businesses (WOBs) are making great progress in public procurement, exhibiting resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurship across a wide range of industries.
From technology and construction to agriculture and healthcare, these female entrepreneurs not only perform as vendors but also drive positive change and leave a lasting impact in their communities.
In this article, we feature remarkable success stories of WOBs in public procurement, showcasing their accomplishments, the industries where they succeed, the transformative impact they have as successful suppliers, and some resources for women that are interested in public procurement in Nigeria.
1] Nneka Ogwumike
She is the CEO of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, and is more than just a fashion designer; she’s a businesswoman with a vision for social impact.
Founded in 1998, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble has become a household name in Nigeria, renowned for its high-quality children’s clothing.
Nneka, however, wasn’t satisfied with just retail success.
Recognizing the potential of public procurement, she strategically expanded her company’s capacity to meet the stringent quality standards required for government contracts.
This bold move paid off.
In 2018, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble secured a significant contract to supply school uniforms across several Nigerian states.
This achievement not only boosted the company’s growth but also ensured quality and affordability for thousands of students.
Nneka’s commitment to ethical sourcing practices extends beyond the contract.
She actively promotes the use of locally-sourced materials and fair labor practices within her company, empowering local communities and setting a strong example for the industry.
Get to know more about her here: https://www.ruffntumblekids.com
2] Lola Akande
The CEO of Lella Technologies exemplifies the innovative spirit of WOBs in the tech sector.
Established in 2012, Lella Technologies focuses on developing educational software and ICT solutions tailored to the Nigerian curriculum.
Recognizing the growing need for digital literacy in schools and the government’s push for technology integration, Lola actively pursued public procurement opportunities.
Her dedication paid dividends when Lella Technologies secured a contract to supply and install educational software in public primary schools across a specific Nigerian state (details about the specific state might require further research).
This achievement not only positioned her company as a leader in the ed-tech space but also played a crucial role in bridging the digital divide in Nigerian education.
Beyond the software itself, Lola understands the importance of empowering educators. Lella Technologies incorporates training programs for teachers alongside their software installations, ensuring teachers have the skills and confidence to utilize the technology effectively.
Get to know more about her here: https://www.lellaviolet.com/technologist
3] Dr. Aisha Buhari,
She is a medical doctor and philanthropist, who established the Aisha Buhari Foundation (ABF) in 2016.
While not a commercial enterprise, the ABF leverages public-private partnerships to procure essential medical supplies and equipment.
Notably, the ABF collaborates with government agencies and NGOs to deliver medical aid to internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps and underserved communities.
Dr. Buhari’s leadership and advocacy have demonstrably improved healthcare access for some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
The ABF’s success hinges on its ability to secure vital resources through partnerships and public-private collaborations, highlighting another crucial role WOBs can play in public procurement.
While the ABF doesn’t have a dedicated website, information about their work can be found on partner organization websites.
Here’s an example: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/committed-grants/2017/01/inv-010291
Here are some resources for WOBs interested in public procurement in Nigeria:
- Federal Ministry of Women Affairs: https://www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/stakeholder/nigerian-federal-ministry-women-affairs-and-social-development
- National Enterprise Development Council (NEDC): https://smedan.gov.ng/nedep/
- Bank of Industry (BOI): https://www.boi.ng/
- Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP): https://www.bpp.gov.ng/
A Call to Action: Fostering an Inclusive Future
The stories of Nneka, Lola, and Dr. Aisha Buhari are testaments to the immense potential of WOBs in Nigerian public procurement.
Their achievements not only demonstrate their entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen but also highlight the positive social impact they create.
While challenges persist, such as limited access to information and financing, the tide is turning.
The Nigerian government’s draft Gender-Responsive Public Procurement Policy and initiatives like the NEPC’s Women in Business Growth Program are steps in the right direction.
By bridging the data gap on WOB participation, implementing effective support mechanisms, and fostering a culture of gender equality, Nigerian public procurement can become a powerful engine for inclusive economic growth and social development.
These inspiring women are paving the way for a future where WOBs are not just participants but leaders in shaping a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria. Their stories serve as a beacon, illuminating the path towards a future where public procurement empowers not just businesses, but communities and the nation as a whole.