Citation

Ife, K. A. (2026). A Critique of World Bank Nigeria Development Report Draws Legal, Policy Challenge. Think India Quarterly, 29(2), 33–44. https://doi.org/10.26643/rb.v118i8.7720

 

Prof Kenneth Amechi, Ife

Visiting Professor, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Nigeria

 

ABSTRACT

 

An energy economist, Professor Ken Ife, has strongly criticised recent recommendations by the World Bank urging Nigeria to deepen fuel importation and fully liberalise its downstream petroleum sector, describing the advice as “ill-timed, backward and inconsistent with Nigeria’s own laws. Speaking during a televised interview on Nigeria’s economic outlook, Ife argued that while parts of the World Bank’s latest Nigeria Development Update were analytically sound, its position on fuel importation undermines the country’s push for energy independence and local refining capacity. “He said that you cannot come to a country that is struggling and has suddenly developed a vision of becoming economically independent, and then advise it to reverse course and start importing again,” According to him, such recommendations run contrary to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which prioritises domestic crude supply for local refiners under the Domestic Crude Obligation framework. “The law is very clear; priority must be given to local refining capacity. Advising Nigeria to abandon that and return to import dependence is not only against government policy but against the PIA law itself,” He warned that increased importation would expose Nigeria to global supply shocks, drain foreign exchange reserves, and weaken ongoing investments in domestic refining, particularly at a time when private sector players are scaling up capacity. He concluded that there is no evidence to support telling Nigeria to depend on imports when major refining countries are restricting exports,”

 

Keywords: Critique, World, Bank, Nigeria, Development, Report, Draws Legal, Policy Challenge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The World Bank's April 2026 advice, urging Nigeria to reopen fuel import licenses and deepen downstream sector liberalization has faced significant backlash, with energy experts arguing the recommendation is ill-timed, economically regressive, and in direct violation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).  The core legal and policy challenges stem from the conflict between the World Bank's recommendation to import and Nigeria’s stated goal of local energy self-reliance, particularly via the Dangote Refinery. (Ife 2026).

 

On inflation and cost of living, he argued that Nigeria’s challenges are not due to a lack of resources but policy inconsistencies in implementing domestic supply frameworks. “Fuel price pressures in Nigeria are largely contrived. If local refiners are given crude at the terms stipulated by law, they will stabilise prices and reduce volatility,” he explained. He also took issue with the Bank’s push for expanded social safety nets funded through borrowing, warning that such measures contradict Nigeria’s fiscal laws. “Social safety nets are necessary, but you do not borrow to share money. The law allows borrowing for capital projects and human development, not consumption. If support is needed, let it come as grants, not loans,” he said.

 

It should be recalled that the World Bank’s recommendations have sparked renewed debate over Nigeria’s fuel policy, with critics warning that increased importation could undermine recent gains in local refining and expose the economy to external shocks. The remarks came amid growing debate over the World Bank’s position on Nigeria’s fuel supply strategy and downstream reforms. He made this known during a televised interview on Nigeria’s economic outlook, where he assessed the bank’s latest Nigeria Development Update. While acknowledging parts of the report as analytically sound, he argued that its stance on fuel imports contradicts Nigeria’s policy direction. “We are building refining capacity that will exceed local demand and position Nigeria as an energy exporter. How can anyone recommend that we abandon this and return to reckless importation?” he queried. The economist further described the recommendation as lacking empirical grounding. While acknowledging the World Bank’s accurate assessment of Nigeria’s macroeconomic trends, such as GDP growth projections and sectorial performance. Ife maintained that its stance on fuel policy could worsen economic conditions.

 

Professor Ife concluded that Nigeria’s long-term economic stability lies in reducing import dependence and strengthening local value addition across sectors. “The sustainable path is clear; develop local refining, expand processing capacity and build economic sovereignty. Exporting raw materials and importing finished products only exports jobs and imports poverty,” he added.

 

Conceptual Reviews from Legal and Policy Challenges

 

Violation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA): Experts, including Prof. Ken Ife, argue that encouraging fuel imports violates the PIA 2021, which mandates prioritizing local refining and supplying domestic crude to local refiners under the Domestic Crude Obligation framework.

Undermining Investment (Investor Confidence): The Dangote Refinery, representing a multi-billion-dollar investment, provides a significant share of Nigeria's petrol. Critics argue that shifting policy back to imports (reopening licenses) penalizes local refining and discourages future investment in domestic infrastructure.

Economic Sovereignty & National Security: The recommendation is viewed as a reversal of Nigeria's push for energy self-reliance, returning the country to "reckless" import dependency at a time when major refining nations are restricting exports.

Contradiction with Fiscal Responsibility Laws: The World Bank's suggestion to fund expanded social safety nets through borrowing is criticized as violating laws that restrict borrowing to capital projects rather than consumption.

Contrived Pricing Concerns: Critics note that fuel price pressures are "contrived" by inefficient supply management rather than lack of local supply, arguing that enforcing the PIA’s local supply laws would stabilize prices better than importing. 

 

The Guardian Nigeria News:  Backlash and Clarification

Report Withdrawal: Following intense criticism and debates over the feasibility of the recommendations, the World Bank temporarily took down its Nigeria Development Update report from its website.

Revaluation of Import Costs: While the World Bank suggested imports were ~12% cheaper, critics question this, stating it ignores full logistics costs (freight, insurance, storage) and that domestic production is key to long-term economic sustainability.

Call for Gradualism: The Bank subsequently clarified that its position was not a "blanket endorsement" and that reforms should be gradual and carefully managed to avoid damaging local refining. 

Summary of Expert Position: The consensus among critics is that to improve economic conditions, Nigeria must enforce the PIA to prioritize local refining, rather than reverting to imports which risk triggering higher inflation and increased foreign exchange pressure.

Chima Nwokoj  (2026) said that the World Bank has raised concerns over Nigeria’s fiscal framework, revealing that more than N34.53 trillion was diverted from federation revenue over the past three years through pre-distribution deductions. In its latest Nigeria Development Update obtained from its website, the global lender disclosed that although total federation revenue rose sharply to about N84 trillion between 2023 and 2025, about 41 per cent of the earnings did not reach the Federation Account for distribution to the federal, state and local governments. According to the report, gross revenue increased from N17.08 trillion in 2023 to an estimated N37.44 trillion in 2025. However, deductions classified as “first-line charges” also rose significantly, from N6.22 trillion to nearly N15 trillion within the same period, reducing the pool of funds available for distribution.

The World Bank noted that the development has created a paradox in which rising revenues have not translated into improved public spending capacity, as a substantial portion is automatically retained by certain agencies before allocation. It explained that reforms such as the removal of petrol subsidy and foreign exchange adjustments boosted nominal revenues, but much of the gains were offset by the structure of deductions tied to cost of collection and statutory transfers.

 

Agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service account for a significant portion of these deductions. The report stated that their funding is based on fixed percentages of gross revenue, leading to higher allocations as revenues increase. Describing the model as “pro-cyclical”, the Bretton Woods institution said it operates outside the conventional budgetary framework and weakens legislative oversight. In some cases, allocations to individual agencies exceed the revenues of several states and even the budgets of key federal ministries.

 

The report also highlighted the impact on public finances, noting a decline in capital expenditure from N5.5 trillion in 2024 to N4.5 trillion in 2025, with only about 25 per cent of the approved capital budget implemented. Meanwhile, the federal fiscal deficit remained elevated at N16.9 trillion, driven by debt servicing and recurrent expenditure. The World Bank warned that the current arrangement undermines fiscal transparency and accountability, as significant portions of public revenue are spent outside the standard appropriation process.

 

Providing expert insight, an economist at Covenant University, Yemisi Ayinde, said the issue reflects deeper structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s public finance system. He explained that the diversion of about 41 per cent of federation earnings through pre-distribution deductions points to “a broader framework of fiscal fragmentation, bureaucratic self-allocation and weak legislative appropriation control”, resulting in what he described as a parallel fiscal system. According to him, statutory revenue retention mechanisms, initially designed as cost-recovery tools, have evolved into entrenched structures that distort resource allocation and weaken the link between macroeconomic reforms and real sector outcomes.

 

Yyinde (2026) added that the trend has created a macro-fiscal paradox of rising revenues alongside shrinking discretionary fiscal space, leading to constrained capital formation, weaker fiscal multipliers and increased dominance of debt servicing over development expenditure. He further noted that the arrangement raises concerns about transparency, accountability and legal compliance, warning that it could erode parliamentary control over public finances and weaken the social contract.

 

Also commenting, President of the Capital Markets Academics Association of Nigeria, Uche Uwaleke, (2026) described the World Bank’s findings as valid and consistent with concerns previously raised by local experts. “The Federation Account has continued to experience leakages despite reforms,” he said, noting that measures such as Executive Order were steps in the right direction but insufficient. Uwaleke called for stronger efforts to reduce the high cost of revenue collection, which he said is inconsistent with global best practices, adding that broader reforms are needed to plug persistent leakages.

 

Muda Yusuf, (2026), Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, similarly, stressed the need for improved transparency and accountability across all tiers of government to ensure that increased revenues translate into better living conditions for citizens. The report, titled “Nigeria’s Tomorrow Must Start Today: The Case for Early Childhood Development”, also highlighted longstanding weaknesses in Nigeria’s budget process, including the absence of a comprehensive organic budget law. It noted that delays in budget approval, such as the late passage of the 2025 budget and the delay in approving the 2026 budget as of March 25, 2026, have reduced predictability for programme implementation.

 

According to the World Bank, weak coordination between the executive and legislative arms has led to frequent and often untracked changes to budget proposals, undermining macro-fiscal planning. “These weaknesses have contributed to unrealistic revenue and capital expenditure projections that are consistently missed,” the report stated, adding that the extension of budget cycles has resulted in overlapping implementation and weakened financial reporting.

 

To address the challenges, the World Bank recommended a comprehensive overhaul of the revenue management framework, including channeling agency funding through the annual budget process and subjecting it to legislative approval. It also called for a reduction in cost-of-collection charges and the elimination of fixed-percentage allocations, noting that such reforms would boost net revenues available for development. The institution cautioned that failure to implement these measures could further constrain Nigeria’s fiscal space and undermine recent economic reforms.

 

Reactions As World Bank Says Nigerian Economy Resilient, Will Grow In 2026

 Mark Itsibor (2026) reported that Nigeria’s economy is projected to remain resilient in the face of mounting global uncertainties, with the World Bank forecasting a 4.2 per cent growth rate in 2026. However, the institution has warned that rising fuel costs and persistent inflation — exacerbated by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East  could undermine household incomes and slow poverty reduction.

Speaking in Abuja, the bank’s lead economist for Nigeria, Fiseha Haile, noted that while the ongoing U.S./Israel-Iran conflict has pushed up prices, overall economic activity has remained largely intact. According to him, business activity has continued to expand in recent months, indicating that the broader impact on growth has been “relatively contained,” even as inflationary pressures intensify.

Nigeria’s inflation rate, though significantly reduced from around 33 per cent in December 2024 to 15.06 per cent in February 2026, remains elevated compared to regional peers. The renewed surge in fuel prices reportedly rising by over 50 percent during the Iran conflict has fed into transportation, food, and production costs, amplifying the cost-of-living crisis The World Bank urged Nigerian authorities to adopt prudent macroeconomic measures, including tightening monetary policy, avoiding blanket subsidies, and saving windfalls from higher oil prices to strengthen fiscal buffers. He recommended reconsidering restrictions on fuel imports as a potential tool to ease inflationary pressures.

The economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu including the removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate unification, and tax restructuring were acknowledged as ambitious steps aimed at stabilising the economy. These reforms have contributed to improved external buffers, with rising foreign exchange reserves and reduced volatility. Additionally, Nigeria’s fiscal deficit stood at 3.1 per cent of GDP in 2025, while the debt-to-GDP ratio declined for the first time in a decade. The World Bank cautioned that tighter global financial conditions could still pose risks to capital inflows, borrowing costs, and remittances.

 Experts Push Back on World Bank Prescriptions

Despite the cautiously optimistic outlook, Nigerian economic experts have expressed strong reservations about the World Bank’s recommendations, particularly its advocacy for free trade and fuel import liberalisation. A development economist and consultant to ECOWAS, Professor Ken Ife, criticised the World Bank’s policy stance as overly aligned with Western economic interests. According to him, the push for free trade often disadvantages developing economies by encouraging import dependence rather than domestic production. “Countries like China and Kazakhstan prioritise protecting their domestic economies,” Ife argued, noting that China imports crude oil but restricts exports of refined products to safeguard local industries. He drew parallels with the COVID-19 pandemic, when countries such as India curtailed pharmaceutical exports despite relying on imported raw materials. Similarly critical of the World Bank’s position, economic analyst Okey Inuegbu dismissed the institution’s forecasts and policy advice, arguing that they have historically failed to benefit developing economies. “The government should not rely on the World Bank’s recommendations,” he said, urging policymakers to prioritise domestic production as the cornerstone of economic recovery.

 Ife, (2026) however, acknowledged the validity of the World Bank’s concerns regarding inflation. He agreed that the sharp rise in fuel prices inevitably triggers higher transportation and food costs, compounding inflationary pressures already influenced by seasonal and security-related factors. On fiscal policy, the development economist strongly supported the call to save oil windfalls but criticised the government’s spending patterns. He argued that Nigeria should channel excess oil revenues into strategic reserves, foreign exchange buffers, and the sovereign wealth fund to create long-term economic stability. “Conventional wisdom dictates that some of this revenue should go into reserves and debt reduction to create fiscal space,” Ife said. He also warned against excessive public spending following the recent expansion of the national budget to N68 trillion.

He advocated the establishment of strategic crude reserves in oil-producing states such as Bayelsa, Rivers, and Ondo, which could support local refineries and stabilise supply. In a more controversial stance, Ife called for restructuring the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), urging it to exit midstream and downstream operations. “They should focus on upstream activities and divest from refineries,” he said, blaming inefficiencies in the sector for Nigeria’s continued reliance on fuel imports. Ife also rejected the World Bank’s recommendation to liberalise fuel imports, describing it as inconsistent with Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which prioritises domestic refining. He argued that expanding imports would undermine local refining capacity and perpetuate economic vulnerabilities. (Ife 2026).

On his part, Inuegbu (2026) emphasized that addressing insecurity particularly in key agricultural regions such as Benue State could yield immediate economic benefits by enabling farmers to return to their fields. He described this as a short-term solution with rapid impact, given Nigeria’s seasonal farming cycles.  “If security is restored, production will rise almost immediately,” he noted, adding that increased agricultural output would reduce dependence on imports and ease inflationary pressures. He also advocated for labour-intensive public works programmes to tackle unemployment, suggesting that the government could engage citizens in infrastructure maintenance while paying minimum wages. On fuel policy, Inuegbu aligned with Ife in opposing import liberalisation. He argued that increased imports would drive prices higher due to foreign exchange costs, whereas supplying crude oil to domestic refiners in naira could stabilise prices.

He pointed challenges faced by local refineries, including those operated by the Dangote Group, which have had to rely on imported crude due to supply constraints. According to him, strengthening domestic supply chains and building fuel reserves would be more effective than opening up imports. The divergence between the World Bank’s recommendations and local expert opinions underscores a broader debate about Nigeria’s economic direction. While international institutions emphasise market-driven reforms and fiscal discipline, domestic analysts are calling for a more protectionist, production-focused approach tailored to Nigeria’s unique challenges. Both sides, however, agree on key risks: inflation remains a significant threat, fuel price shocks continue to ripple through the economy, and without careful policy calibration, gains in growth could be undermined by declining living standards. (Inuegbu, 2026)

President of the Institute of Professional Economists and Policy Management (IPEPM), Prof. Kenneth Ife, has said that closing gender gaps and fully unlocking women’s economic potential could add $12 trillion to the global economy. He warned that Nigeria cannot achieve inclusive or sustainable growth without prioritising women’s participation. Ife spoke during the launch of the Women in Economics and Development Foundation (WEDF), themed “A Catalyst for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development”, and the unveiling of the organisation’s empowerment programme in Abuja

Meanwhile, Founder of WEDF, Dr Annette Mubarak, said that the Foundation emerged from a burning desire to see women rise as catalysts for economic transformation and digital innovation. She noted that women’s contributions from the classrooms, corporate offices, or ministries have often been undervalued. Mubarak, who said the Foundation’s programme would focus on capacity development, mentorship, entrepreneurship, access to finance, and policy advocacy, described the initiative as the beginning of a revolution of minds, opportunities, and transformation, reiterating that women are not waiting for change; they are the catalysts of change.

Ife, a global economic analyst, noted that women contribute 43 of agricultural labour and represent one in three businesses, yet they receive less than 10 per cent of available venture capital. He lamented that in Nigeria, women constitute roughly 49 per cent of the population, but hold only 22 per cent of senior economic leadership positions. The don, therefore, warned that these structural inequities come at a high cost, saying that closing the gender gap in economic participation could contribute an additional $12 trillion to global economic output. He also stressed that improving gender parity could strengthen governance and national economic resilience, saying that countries with more equitable participation of women in economic decision-making experience higher GDP growth and progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty reduction, gender equality, decent work, and strong institutions. (Ife, 2025).

(Ife, 2026), however, urged policymakers, institutions, and private sector actors to create platforms and strategies that would integrate women into key economic decision-making spaces, saying that unlocking women’s economic power is central to Nigeria’s growth and Africa’s development. He said: “The opportunity of unlocking women’s economic power allows you to boost GDP, give you stronger SMEs, create more resilient households, increase employment and also improve governance.

Nigeria’s Challenges Due to Inconsistencies in Implementing Domestic Supply Policies’

On in inflation and cost of living pressures, the economist said Nigeria’s challenges are not due to resource constraints but inconsistencies in implementing domestic supply policies. “Fuel price pressures in Nigeria are largely contrived. If local refiners are given crude at the terms stipulated by law, they will stabilise prices and reduce volatility,” he said. The expert further criticised the World Bank’s push for expanded social safety nets funded through borrowing, warning that such measures could worsen fiscal pressures. Social safety nets are necessary, but you do not borrow to share money. The law allows borrowing for capital projects and human development, not consumption. If support is needed, let it come as grants, not loans,” he said.

CONCLUSION

Prof Ife concluded that there is no evidence to support telling Nigeria to depend on imports when major refining countries are restricting exports,” That Nigeria’s long-term economic stability lies in reducing import dependence and strengthening local value addition across sectors. “The sustainable path is clear; develop local refining, expand processing capacity and build economic sovereignty. Exporting raw materials and importing finished products only exports jobs and imports poverty,”

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

Develop local refining, expand processing capacity, and build economic sovereignty. Exporting raw materials and importing finished products only exports jobs and imports poverty. Nigeria’s long-term economic stability depends on reducing import dependence and strengthening local value addition across sectors.

On inflation and cost of living pressures, the economist said Nigeria’s challenges are not due to resource constraints but inconsistencies in implementing domestic supply policies. “Fuel price pressures in Nigeria are largely contrived. If local refiners are given crude at the terms stipulated by law, they will stabilise prices and reduce volatility,” he said. The expert further criticised the World Bank’s push for expanded social safety nets funded through borrowing, warning that such measures could worsen fiscal pressures. “Social safety nets are necessary, but you don’t borrow to share money. The law allows borrowing for capital projects and human development, not consumption. If support is needed, let it come as grants, not loans,” he said. “The sustainable path is clear; develop local refining, expand processing capacity, and build economic sovereignty. Exporting raw materials and importing finished products only exports jobs and imports poverty.”

 

 

 

 

REFERENCES 

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World Bank's dangerous advice (2026) Punch Newspapers hecable.ng/world-banks-fuel-import-recommendation-contradicts-pia-says-energy-expert/https://punchng.com › world-banks-dangerous-advice

World Bank’s dangerous advice https://businessday.ng/backpage/article/how-policy-inconsistencies-hamper-nigerias-industrial-targets/ how policy inconsistencies hamper Nigeria's industrial.

Bunmi Aduloju (2024, March). N20trn take-off capital’ what to know about FG’s renewed hope infrastructure fund. The Cable. 

 

Department of Transport. (2024). Reported road casualties Great Britain, provisional results:

 

Emmanuel, J. (2024, May). Thirteen years after, Tinubu commissions N35 billion Southern Parkway. Nigeria Info FM. 

 

Francisca Oluyole (2017, December). ANALYSIS: Ajaokuta: How Nigeria’s largest industrial project failed. Premium

 

Gülen, G., Makaryan, R., Volkov, D., & Foss, M. (n.d.). Improving regulatory agency efficiency and effectiveness: Best practices, processes and organizational structures 

 

Gift ChapiOdekina (2024, May). Nigeria spent 8 billion dollars to import steel, annually — Minister. Vanguard Newspaper. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024

 

Hassan, I. (2021, November). The EFCC and ICPC in Nigeria: Overlapping mandates and duplication of effort in the fight against corruption (Anti-Corruption Evidence Working Paper

 

Micheal Ani (2020, January). Ajaokuta Steel: Reviving Nigeria’s failed industrial project. Business Times. https://businessday.ng

 

National Bureau of Statistics. (2024). Rail transportation data 2023. https://nigerianstat.gov.ng/elibrary/read/1241483

 

Narasimha, D. R., & Subhashish, G. (2006). Regulatory framework for infrastructure (INRM Policy Brief No. 8). Asian Development Bank. https://www.adb.org

 

Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem). (n.d.). Our role and responsibilities. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/our-role-and-responsibilities

 

Office of Rail and Road. (2023). Rail safety: April 2022 to March 2023. https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/media/ktvneim0/rail-safety-2022-23.pdf

 

Office of Rail and Road. (2024). Passenger rail usage: January to March 2024. https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/media/15nga1q4/passenger-rail-usage-jan-mar-2024.pdf

 

Office of Rail and Road (ORR). (n.d.). Our functions. https://www.orr.gov.uk/about/how-we-work/strategy-duties/our-functions

 

Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. (2024). Redefining of the presidential priorities areas of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. https://www.osgf.gov.

 

Ojeme, V. (2022, November). Funding SON to achieve compliance to industrial standards. Vanguard. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/11/fundi

 

Okechukwu Nnodim (2021, April). Nigeria businesses lose $29bn annually to poor electricity – World Bank. Punch Newspaper. https://punchng.com/nigeria-businesses-lose-29bn-annually-to-poor-electricity-wbank/ 

 

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Women Empowerment in Sustainable and Green Industrial Development

Citation

Jyotishi, A., & Samal, A. (2026). Women Empowerment in Sustainable and Green Industrial Development. International Journal for Social Studies, 12(2), 95–108. https://doi.org/10.26643/ijss/14

 

 

Akanksha Jyotishi

Research Scholar

Dept of Political Science

Kalinga University

 

Dr Anita Samal

Research Guide

Dept of Political Science

Kalinga University

 

Abstract:

Promoting gender equality is a key step towards achieving green, sustainable industrial development, in line with global goals such as the SDGs. This is particularly true of SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure) and SDG 5 (women's equality). Traditional gender roles in India have kept women at a disadvantage in several areas, including access to higher education, the workforce, and political participation. By providing financial resources, encouraging business, and advancing their social status, microfinance has enabled rural women to gain agency. Women are now more actively involved across many sectors, thanks to recent government initiatives. However, there are still many ways to go before we reach gender parity, particularly in areas such as healthcare access, educational opportunities, and political representation. The research focuses on the barriers women face in the green industry, including a lack of technical training, funding, and leadership roles, and highlights opportunities for empowerment through gender-responsive legislation, skill development, and entrepreneurial assistance. By unleashing women's untapped potential, nations can accelerate the shift to carbon-neutral industries, create high-quality green jobs, and achieve equitable transitions that benefit everyone.

Keywords: Women empowerment, gender equality, sustainable development, green industry, inclusive industrialization, green economy, renewable energy, entrepreneurship, policy framework, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

                                                                                                                                            I.            INTRODUCTION

An organised basic right of women to satisfy the demands of the present without jeopardising the capacity of future generations to meet their own needs is sustainable development. In this way, it meets the needs of men and women equally. Resolving the underlying gender dynamics is essential for achieving intra-generational fairness. The perpetuation of disparities precludes achieving intergenerational fairness and fulfilling the obligation to leave a more equitable society to future generations. Sustainable development is impossible to achieve in the absence of deliberate efforts to address gender inequality, which is one of the most widespread types of inequality in the world. Half of the world's population is female, and in the past 30 years, women have been more instrumental than men in driving social and economic advancement. Still, males continue to have disproportionate access to power and resources, even though these groups are among the most vulnerable in the world. In addition to being an aim in itself, achieving gender parity is essential to long-term success in economic growth and development, social progress, and ecological preservation. A sustainable development route may be achieved by giving women and men equal opportunity, including in decision-making across all domains, so that the interests of both sexes are jointly considered when resources are distributed.

Modern society's social, cultural, and economic progress is all facilitated by women's empowerment (WEN) [1-2]. When women have the power to decide what happens to their property, it empowers them economically, allowing them to save for the future and invest in assets that will last [3-4]. Better health outcomes and greater control over reproductive health result from empowering people to make their own choices about their health and family planning. This empowerment reduces risks and enhances development potential. Better academic achievement, greater enrolment rates, and the end of the poverty cycle are all outcomes of giving parents more say in their children's education, which in turn boosts economic development [5-7]. Leadership, invention, creativity, and logical decision-making are just a few of the ways in which women greatly contribute to society's enormous output [8]. Dewi et al. [9] and Chatterjee and Malakar [10] state that WEN improves economic prosperity and well-being, which leads to beneficial social transformations. Beyond that, green entrepreneurship may greatly guarantee performance, WEN, and sustainability [11]. “Several facilitators, including green incentives (GIS), green entrepreneurial skills (GESS), and green opportunities (GOS), are very significant and prominent in promoting societal sustainability, welfare, prosperity, and performance [12–14]”. On top of that, GIS deals with a number of situations that, when addressed, contribute to WEN and societal well-being [15].

                                                                                                                      II.            REVIEW OF LITERATURE

A.     Green entrepreneurial skills (GESS)

Normal entrepreneurial abilities focus on launching and managing a firm, with an eye towards expanding into new markets and increasing profits [16]. To make sure that businesses help maintain a healthy ecosystem while also making a strong impression on society, GESS adds a layer of social responsibility and environmental sustainability on top of this [17–18]. The phrase "green" is more narrowly focused on eco-friendly actions [19], whereas "sustainability" encompasses a broader, more comprehensive strategy that balances ecological preservation with economic and social considerations [20]. To implement sustainable business practices, GESS provides its members with the education and skills they need, including in-depth instruction in green business activities [11]. “Skills in green management, which focus on reducing the negative environmental impacts of a company's activities, are also required.” Although knowledge of green business planning guarantees that environmental concerns are prioritised in strategic endeavours, the ability to lead teams towards sustainable objectives is paramount [21]. The large GEP and WEN predictors have verified GESS [22]. “Green education and technology for the development of WEN, innovation, and GEP are among the many contributions that Mukherjee et al  [23], Muaddab [24], and Yar et al [14] are recognised for.” Women may achieve long-term economic independence by acquiring marketable skills, sometimes called "green skills" [25]. According to research [22], GESS improves WEN within the framework of sustainable development. It is worth noting that GESS has been validated as a strong predictor of GEP by several authors, including Papageorgiou et al. [26] and Muaddab [24].

B.     Green entrepreneurship (GEP)

Improvements in GEP, such as better social links, education, tech integration, financial access, and policy support, are vital for WEN's growth [27–29]. GEP is also linked to areas such as sustainable agriculture, green tourism, and renewable energy, all of which positively affect WEN [31]. Green Energy Partnership (GEP) promotes eco-friendly businesses and supports methods that increase profit by reducing manufacturing costs and increasing pretax profits. “Nigeria faces obstacles to economic development due to environmental challenges such as water pollution, climate change, and global warming [30].” GEP is a large-scale plan to adapt to and reduce these effects, helping lessen poverty and guarantee long-term economic health [32]. Bakari [11] notes that green entrepreneurs improve sustainable operations by boosting green procurement and staff productivity. GEP education and promotion also empower women, enhancing their abilities and confidence so they can take action in their organizations [33]. Anabaraonye et al. [34] find that GE promotion is crucial for environmental safety and economic prosperity. Climate change education supports the Sustainable Development Goals. Nigeria's plastic recycling sector is growing sustainably due to GE education and green business opportunities [35–36]. “Policy and institutional frameworks are important for developing GEP, as noted by Fallah and Soori [37] and Abdelwahed et al [3]; E-entrepreneurship, technology, marketplaces, and digital platforms may further enhance WEN [38]”.

C.     Women empowerment (WEN)

The belief in women's ability to make choices about property is central to WEN, as is the strength and self-assurance that women need to manage and own their own assets. It promotes women's agency by providing them with the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their reproductive and general health, including family planning [39]. “Research should address gaps in the current literature on the integrated investigation of the effects of GESS, GOS, and GI on GEP and WEN.” Furthermore, although GESS, GOS, and GI were present, no one dared to discuss how GEP affected WEN, either directly or indirectly. Lastly, in context, it would be beneficial for this study to focus more on empowering Saudi women entrepreneurs of green businesses, even if these women face several obstacles related to GEP and WEN. “For example, Abdelwahed, Bastian, and Wood [40] emphasise the cultural and social obstacles that prevent women from engaging in entrepreneurial pursuits and long-term company endeavours.” When it comes to green business and entrepreneurship, there are still significant disparities in corporate transparency, regulatory efforts, and gender equality [41]. It is acknowledged that e-entrepreneurship may play a part in promoting a green economy. Many Saudi women still face socioeconomic barriers that prevent them from fully using digital tools and platforms [42]. Similarly, women intrapreneurs face significant challenges in green HRM and green innovation [43]. Therefore, to promote Saudi Vision 2030, it is crucial to establish regulations and mechanisms that encourage women's participation in green economic activities [44]. In Saudi Arabia, GEP plays a vital role in creating WEN, which provides women with a means to participate in long-term economic activities, promoting their economic autonomy and social participation and thereby addressing these difficulties. As a result of their involvement, women are better able to adapt to new green technologies and are also more likely to have opportunities to break out of sexist norms and become green economic pioneers.

D.    Women's empowerment and environment

In light of the SDGs, there has been a renaissance in academic and policy interest in the connections between gender equality and environmental sustainability. Empowering women is a structural factor in achieving environmental outcomes, not just a social justice goal, according to new research [45]. There are many ways empowered women affect environmental sustainability, including changes in energy use and household habits, involvement in environmental governance, new business creation, and innovation [46]. “Cleaner energy, climate adaptation measures, and sustainable livelihood practices are highlighted in the expanding body of research that highlights the positive impact of gender-inclusive governance on environmental performance [47].”

There is a correlation between greater female presence in political and business leadership and better environmental outcomes, according to early empirical research by Lv and Deng [49] and Jiang and Akbar [48]. These conclusions have been extended to cross-country and global scales in more subsequent investigations. For example, research by Li et al. [50] and Sanchez-Olmedo et al. [51] shows that empowering women significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. On the other hand, studies by Antari et al. [52] and Zhu and Chen [53] show that gender diversity improves companies' ESG performance across different regions. Research shows that female executives are more likely to promote sustainability initiatives, ensure their companies comply with regulations, and foster a culture of environmental awareness.

Energy use, land use, and resource management practices are profoundly affected at the household and community levels by women's empowerment. Research conducted in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa has shown that when women have access to clean energy technologies and are financially included, they help reduce biomass dependency and promote sustainable consumption, which in turn helps minimise environmental deterioration [54]. Renewable energy projects that empower women in Ghana improve energy access and environmental quality, according to Gbolonyo et al. [55], demonstrating that achieving gender equality and sustainability offers two benefits. “Thomas [56] agrees with these results and argues that female entrepreneurs, particularly those in the green business sector, are crucial to advancing low-carbon innovations and circular-economy models.”

Research on innovation and environmental governance has shown that when women are actively involved, institutions are more responsive and technology spreads more quickly. In previous research, Le Loarne-Lemaire et al. [57] and Wei et al. [58] showed that greater women's agency in innovation ecosystems leads to more positive technical spillovers and stronger CSR. New worldwide studies corroborate this finding by showing that climate-related technological innovation is more efficiently driven by women in R&D, especially when institutional support and inclusive innovation platforms are in place [59]. “More socially grounded and equitable environmental policies that increase collective adaptation capacity to climate change are associated with women's participation in climate decision-making [60].”

In addition, new research highlights how renewable energy and green innovation may work in tandem with women's empowerment. Renewable energy governance that is inclusive of women and girls improves environmental outcomes by increasing engagement, accountability, and fair access to green technology (Vogel et al., 61). Research in underdeveloped countries has shown that decentralised renewable energy projects that involve women have a positive impact on both the environment and socioeconomic resilience [62]. The results show that promoting gender equality during energy transitions offers additional benefits, such as empowering communities and reducing poverty, in addition to reducing emissions.

Instead of viewing women's empowerment as a byproduct of development, recent theoretical work [63] argues that it should be reframed as a systemic driver of sustainability. This change is based on the realisation that gender equality improves governance, increases involvement in environmental policies, and raises the quality of institutions. Supporting this view is research by Elbushra et al. [47], which found that empowering women leads to better resource management and long-term economic diversification. Gender inclusion, green financing, and information technology work together to accelerate the shift to sustainable production systems, according to research by Saha et al. [64] and Han, Zhang, et al. [65].

                                                                              III.            SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND WOMEN

Sustainable development, according to the Commission on Environment and Development, is progress that satisfies current demands without jeopardising future generations' capacity to do the same. “There must be harmony among economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental conservation if sustainable development is to be achieved.” By creating more opportunities for everyone, reducing inequality, improving basic living standards, and promoting fair social development and inclusion, sustainable development aims to eradicate poverty. Achieving Long-Term Sustainability via Empowering Women. Gender equality is essential for sustainable development. Having resources distributed fairly is also crucial. Sustainable economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability may be achieved most effectively via the empowerment of women. The ideals upon which it is built foster unity among current and future generations. Nutrition, child care, and household management are primarily the responsibilities of women in almost every country. Women have crucial roles as farmers, water and fuel collectors, and animal tenders in most poor countries. At the Rio Earth Summit, women were an integral part of the decision-making process, and their efforts paid off: Agenda 21 included a chapter on women and sustainable development, as well as more than 100 references and suggestions related to women. “Participating summits, including Rio in 1992, Human Rights Conference in 1993, International Conference on Population and Development in 1994, Social Summit in 1995, and Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, have centred on UN initiatives pertaining to gender, poverty, the environment, human rights, population, and human rights, as well as the interconnections among these factors.” Consequently, women were seen as a "major group" in RIO, and their involvement was vital for attaining sustainable development. Mainstreaming a gender perspective into UN activity was the primary emphasis of the system. “Additionally, in September 1995, Beijing hosted the Fourth World Conference on Women, which highlighted the importance of women's empowerment, full participation, and equality as the cornerstones of peace and sustainable development.”

                             IV.            ROLE OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Despite the many hats women wear in India—as housewives, mothers, and workers in the manufacturing sector—they have mostly gone unrecognised for their contributions to the country's economic growth. Issues with health, hunger, having children too often, and schooling were mentioned most frequently. Women need services such as family planning to reduce their family size, education on earning money, and easy access to low-interest loans if they are to play an active role in economic progress. While India's development has been phenomenal, it has not always been fair or inclusive. Problems with our development model's foundational assumptions persist, and we mostly use a work-in-progress approach. Advancing women's agency is the nation's top priority. Since educating and empowering the majority of women worldwide has consistently been shown to spur rapid socioeconomic development, it is imperative that this trend continue. There are 7.5% more women in the world than males, and that number is made up entirely of Indian women. Their standard of living is rising due to certain development indicators. The rate of progress is painfully slow, even if there has been a decline in maternal mortality and an increase in literacy and the number of women able to access healthcare and education. In addition to faster and fairer economic growth, societies with more gender equality also provide better social and economic prospects for women. As a result of innovation and better decision-making across a range of challenges, poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability, and consumer choice are all enhanced. Advancements in both economic growth and gender equality are complementary. The country's prosperity and inclusion would be fostered if obstacles encountered by women entrepreneurs were reduced, both domestically and abroad. This would help connect global value chains. Micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) are operated by women, and over 30% of MSMEs are owned by women. A lady owns and operates her firm among the five exporters. “To achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, as outlined in the United Nations 2030 Agenda, it is crucial to place women at the centre of global policymaking.” The primary stages towards empowering women economically are trade and global women's empowerment, although these efforts are progressing slowly and in a disorganised fashion. While women may not be inherently less competent than men in exporting and other wage-earning occupations, they nevertheless face barriers to knowledge, capital, and technology. To overcome the first obstacles, they need a little more motivation. Although women make up around half of the population, they are underrepresented in positions of power. The majority of these domestic chores are still carried out by women. The majority of society views her as primarily a homemaker. For a democracy to really achieve its stated purpose of being "of the people, by the people, and for the people," it is imperative that women have equal access to economic and political power. The structural limitation on women's engagement in political and economic spheres is imposed by the Women in Society Act. Almost all social groups and economic strata of women are subject to this limitation. In this respect, the prevalent culture is quite restrictive. The advancement and empowerment of women can only be achieved if men acknowledge their rights and believe in their abilities. For women to feel empowered to make a difference in the world, they must identify and develop their unique skills and abilities. The freedom to remain quiet is not the same as the empowerment to debate, communicate, and understand the merits and demerits of politics to influence policy and decision-making. When she wants to empower women, she doesn't want to grovel for power or seek a power structure to use against others; she wants to be an agent of change. Contrarily, she insists on prioritising human acceptance. To even begin to address the issue of empowerment, she must first be able to control her own life, which necessitates that all relevant material, social, political, cultural, and spiritual resources be readily available to her. In the past, Indian culture was skewed and rooted in male chauvinism. However, in recent times, people have begun to see women for what they really are: powerful agents of change who can contribute to and even direct their own personal growth and development.

                                 V.            WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Findings from this research on the link between women's empowerment and environmental sustainability on a worldwide scale are considerable. Empirical research shows that empowering women reduces greenhouse gas emissions, thereby improving environmental quality in the short and long run. One possible explanation for these results is the increased number of women in positions of power, such as chief executive officers and board members. These women are strong advocates for green laws and sustainable corporate practices. In a broader sense, when women are given greater agency, they are more likely to be involved in politics, get an education, find a job, and become aware of the need for sustainable living. This is especially true in rural regions, where the transition to modern energy services significantly lowers emissions. Involvement of women in agriculture and industry helps reduce environmental deterioration, as previous research [66] supports these results. “Empowering women by increasing their economic security and access to cutting-edge energy technology increases the likelihood that they will advocate for investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency, which, in turn, improves environmental quality on a larger scale.”

Additionally, this study examines how gender, innovation, and climate change interact, with an emphasis on female researchers and scientists. When contrasted with male researchers' skills in technological advancement, Xie et al. [67] note that female R&D people show remarkable efficiency in scientific research. Expanding women's engagement in global warming solutions, especially in research and patent development, is crucial in the current context, where inclusive decision-making is required by climate change legislation. There may be a dramatic uptick in patents aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions if policies and financing systems encouraged more women to participate in research and development. Important implications for policies regarding climate innovation stem from the study's need for a more thorough assessment of women's roles in publicly supported research and patenting.

When considering environmental consequences as a whole, the empowerment of women stands out as an important yet sometimes overlooked factor. Highlighting the vital relevance of incorporating gender equality into environmental and energy policy, the research shows that emissions are reduced when more women participate in the labour market. As a result of their participation in inclusive decision-making, women can influence household energy decisions, drive green entrepreneurship, and improve governance. Therefore, gender equality and environmental sustainability may be advanced in tandem by increasing women's access to leadership roles, financial resources, and educational opportunities.

Last but not least, sustainability cannot be achieved through discrete interventions; it results from the interaction of technical innovation, the adoption of renewable energy sources, and the empowerment of women. Rather, it calls for concerted efforts to connect social inclusion, technical advancement, and economic growth. Achieving global access to green technologies and transitions, especially for the most vulnerable emerging countries, requires international collaboration, capacity development, and cross-sectoral alliances. Taken as a whole, these findings highlight the need for socially inclusive policies that are also environmentally beneficial, paving the way for a future that is both sustainable and fair on a global scale.

                                                                                                                                           VI.            CONCLUSION

The integration of social fairness, economic growth, and environmental responsibility is achieved through women's empowerment, making it a crucial driver of sustainable, green industrial development. Innovation, productivity, and resilience are enhanced when women are empowered in green sectors through education, skill development, financial access, and leadership opportunities. Essential tenets of green development, including resource efficiency, community welfare, and long-term sustainability, are often advanced from the many perspectives of women.

For sustainable industrial strategies to be fairer and more responsive to society's demands, it is essential that women participate in policy-making, industrial planning, and green entrepreneurship. Green technology, sustainable manufacturing, waste management, and renewable energy all benefit from having more women on staff, as this leads to better decision-making, more ethical practices, and deeper community ties.

In addition to strengthening the social pillar of sustainable development, women's economic empowerment helps reduce poverty, increase household welfare, and ensure sustainability across generations. Nevertheless, gender-sensitive legislation, legislative protections, and focused capacity-building programs are necessary to overcome systemic obstacles, including sexism, uneven access to technology, and inadequate institutional backing.

Finally, women's meaningful empowerment is essential to the full realisation of sustainable, green industrial growth. Achieving inclusive development, environmental sustainability, and long-term industrial resilience requires advancing gender equality within green industrial frameworks. This is not just the right thing to do from a social justice standpoint, but it is also a strategic requirement.

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