President Bola Tinubu has extended congratulations to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the former coordinating minister for the economy and finance, following her unanimous re-election as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on Friday.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, a distinguished development economist and global finance expert, made history in 2021 as the first African and the first woman to lead the 164-member WTO.
Her first term as the Director-General will conclude on August 31, 2025, with her second term commencing on September 1.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed his pleasure at Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment, describing it as a clear indication of the global confidence and trust placed in her leadership.
The President noted that her continued tenure would contribute significantly to advancing multilateral trade and promoting sustainable global development.
“The unanimous reappointment of Dr. Okonjo-Iweala for a second four-year term reflects the international community’s belief in her capacity to lead the WTO toward even greater achievements,” Tinubu said.
The President further emphasized his confidence that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership would continue to enhance the WTO’s role in fostering inclusive economic growth and promoting good governance on the global stage over the next four years.
President Tinubu assured Dr. Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria’s unwavering support as she builds on her bold reforms, commitment to equitable trade practices, and tireless advocacy for international cooperation.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the goals of the WTO, ECOWAS, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in striving for a fair and inclusive multilateral trading system.
