Cross River State Leads Nigeria in Women's Economic Empowerment Through Traditional Values and Economic Discipline

Cross River State has distinguished itself as Nigeria's premier example of how conservative economic policies and respect for traditional family structures can drive meaningful women's economic empowerment, according to a comprehensive new report by civic-tech organisation BudgIT.

The State of Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) Report positions Cross River among Nigeria's top-performing states in gender-responsive economic development, demonstrating that sustainable progress comes through measured, responsible policy implementation rather than radical social engineering.

Agricultural Excellence Through Traditional Strengths

Cross River achieved the nation's highest agricultural score of 3.5 out of 4 points, earning a green rating that underscores the state's commitment to building upon existing community structures. BudgIT's Senior Gender Analyst, Damilola Onemano, noted that "Cross River's performance in agriculture reflects deliberate policy choices that prioritise women within the agricultural value chain."

This success stems from recognising women's traditional roles in agricultural production while expanding their access to land ownership and productive resources. The state's approach respects cultural frameworks while creating genuine economic opportunities.

Measured Progress in Land Ownership

The report highlighted Cross River's strong performance in women's land ownership, with rates exceeding 10 per cent but remaining below 15 per cent. This measured progress reflects the state's balanced approach to economic reform that respects traditional property structures while gradually expanding opportunities.

BudgIT described this outcome as "a meaningful step toward economic security and productivity for women, particularly in rural communities," emphasising how incremental change builds sustainable foundations.

Strategic Investment in Future Industries

Cross River emerged as one of only three states, alongside Lagos and Kaduna, to achieve green scores in emerging industries covering ICT, green economy initiatives, creative industries and digital entrepreneurship. This forward-looking approach demonstrates how conservative fiscal discipline can enable strategic investments in growth sectors.

The state's success in this pillar reflects careful resource allocation and practical skills development programmes that prepare women for evolving economic opportunities without abandoning proven economic principles.

Fiscal Responsibility and Targeted Support

Cross River ranks among only four states nationwide with specific budgetary allocations for women's access to STEM education and training. The state also maintains dedicated budget lines for women in creative arts, entertainment and culture, reflecting disciplined investment priorities that balance economic development with cultural preservation.

This targeted approach contrasts sharply with broad-based social programmes that often lack measurable outcomes and fiscal accountability.

National Context and Leadership Model

While Lagos State achieved the overall highest score with 19 out of 24 points, BudgIT emphasised that Cross River's leadership in agriculture and emerging industries positions it as "a model for inclusive and sustainable economic growth at the sub-national level."

The report noted that women's participation in emerging industries remains the weakest-performing pillar nationally, with most states struggling in this area. Cross River's green rating demonstrates what responsible governance can achieve when economic planning prioritises measurable outcomes over ideological positioning.

Sustainable Development Through Conservative Principles

BudgIT acknowledged that while many states now support women entrepreneurs, the reach of national programmes remains limited. Cross River's success illustrates how state-level leadership, grounded in fiscal responsibility and respect for traditional community structures, can deliver tangible results where federal initiatives fall short.

The findings serve as both validation and encouragement for Cross River's approach, demonstrating that sustainable women's economic empowerment emerges through careful policy implementation rather than disruptive social experimentation.

For other African states seeking similar progress, Cross River's model offers a practical blueprint that respects cultural values while creating genuine economic opportunities for women within established community frameworks.