Policy Innovation Centre Unveils Purple Book to Drive Gender Equity and Inclusive Governance
The Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) has officially launched the Purple Book, a comprehensive policy guide designed to advance gender equity and social inclusion across Nigeria. This significant publication consolidates critical insights and actionable recommendations derived from the 2025 Gender and Inclusion Summit (GS-25), providing a practical roadmap for strengthening gender-responsive governance and expanding opportunities for women, youth, and marginalized communities.
Translating Dialogue into Actionable Policy Solutions
During the launch event in Abuja, Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre, emphasized that the Purple Book represents a collective effort to transform discussions on inclusion into tangible policy and program recommendations. "The conversations we had today in the room are why the Gender and Inclusion Summit exist. After the summit, we don't allow the conversations to end there. Our real burden is to ensure that we can translate every insight from the summit into real solutions," she stated, highlighting the centre's commitment to moving beyond dialogue to implementation.
Tax Reform as a Cornerstone of Fairness and Economic Development
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, Albert Folorunsho, a member of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, underscored that successful tax reform extends beyond revenue generation to encompass fairness and inclusion. "The Purple Book reminds us that tax reform is not simply about revenue – it is about fairness, opportunity, and national development, and it must unlock potential. When a tax system works for women, youth, and informal workers, it works for the entire economy, and it becomes a cornerstone of Nigeria's broader economic reform agenda," he explained, linking fiscal policy to broader social goals.
Advocating for an Inclusive and Equitable Tax System
Echoing these sentiments, Maryam Uwais, MFR, Board Member of the Policy Innovation Centre, stressed the necessity of a modern tax system that prioritizes fairness and opportunity. "A modern tax system must go beyond revenue generation to ensure fairness, support enterprise, and expand opportunity for all Nigerians, especially women, youth, and those in the informal sector," she remarked, advocating for reforms that benefit the most vulnerable segments of society.
Collaborative Support and Future Directions
The launch event garnered goodwill messages from key partners, including Luminate, Pathfinder International, the Nigeria Revenue Service, and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, all reaffirming their dedication to advancing gender equity and inclusive development through collaborative action. Stakeholders anticipate that the Purple Book will inform ongoing policy discussions and enhance efforts to integrate gender and social inclusion into national development priorities.
As preparations commence for the next edition of the Gender and Inclusion Summit in 2026, themed "Making Innovation Count for the Last Mile," the launch brought together a diverse array of participants, including policymakers, development partners, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives. Attendees engaged in high-level discussions on the 2026 Tax Reforms, focusing on how these reforms can expand economic opportunities for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
The Policy Innovation Centre, an initiative of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), continues to redefine evidence-based policy advocacy as a leading think tank in Africa, driving forward initiatives that promote inclusive growth and equitable development.
