President Bola Tinubu congratulates Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her unanimous re-election as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO.
The 70-year-old renowned development economist and global finance expert made history in 2021 as the first African and first woman to lead the 164-nation-member organisation.
Her first term as the seventh WTO Director-General will elapse on August 31, 2025, while the second term begins September 1.
A statement by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga says the President
notes with delight that Okonjo-Iweala’s unanimous appointment for a second four-year term demonstrates the trust and confidence the international community places in her leadership to advance multilateral trade for sustainable global development.
He said President Tinubu is confident that her continued leadership will strengthen the international economic organisation’s role as a critical pillar of inclusive global economic growth and good governance in the next four years.
Stating that Nigeria as a committed member of the WTO, ECOWAS, and African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, will continue to support the WTO’s mission to foster a fair, inclusive, and equitable multilateral trading system.
President Tinubu assures Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria’s steadfast support as she consolidates her bold reforms, dedication to equitable global trade practices, and tireless efforts to promote international cooperation.
Meanwhile, the re-election of Nigeria’s two-time Finance Minister and former Foreign Affairs Minister comes as global trade disputes are rearing their heads with incoming United States President , Donald Trump promising to slam heavy tariffs on countries he sees as threats to American markets and products.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
