President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other eminent Nigerians have congratulated Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her historic reappointment as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
In a unanimous decision, the 164-member international trade body reaffirmed its trust in the Nigerian economist, securing her second four-year term, which begins on September 1, 2025.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, renowned for her expertise in global finance and development economics, initially made history in 2021 as the first African and the first woman to lead the WTO.
Her leadership has been pivotal in steering the organization through critical challenges in global trade and advocating for a fair and sustainable multilateral trading system.
In a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu lauded the reappointment as a testament to the global community’s confidence in Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s ability to advance multilateral trade for sustainable development.
He praised her dedication to reforming the WTO and fostering international economic cooperation, expressing optimism about her continued efforts to strengthen the organization’s role in driving inclusive global growth.
“President Bola Tinubu congratulates Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, on her unanimous re-election today as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
“The renowned development economist and global finance expert made history in 2021 as the first African and first woman to lead the 164-nation-member WTO.
“Her first term as the seventh Director-General of the WTO will expire on August 31, 2025, while the second term begins September 1.
“The Nigerian leader notes with delight that Dr 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.
“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.
“As a committed member of the WTO, ECOWAS, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Nigeria 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”, the statement said.
Okonjo-Iweala’s enviable feat also received thumbs up from Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu who described her as a rare African gem with a rare commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
