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Director-General, WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
President Bola Tinubu has hailed the re-election of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.
Okonjo-Iweala’s re-appointment was confirmed in a statement posted on WTO’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday.
The former Nigeria’s Minister of Finance 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.
Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga assured Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria’s steadfast support, urging her to consolidate on the “bold reforms, dedication to equitable global trade practices, and tireless efforts to promote international cooperation”.
Tinubu noted that Okonjo-Iweala’s unanimous appointment for a second four-year term was a demonstration of the trust and confidence the international community placed in her leadership to advance multilateral trade for sustainable global development.
Tinubu expressed confidence that her continued leadership would 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, Nigeria will continue to support the WTO’s mission to foster a fair, inclusive, and equitable multilateral trading system”, Tinubu said.
Also, the former Presidential candidate of Labour Party in 2023, Peter Obi has described Okonjo-Iweala as “one of Nigeria’s most valuable human capital exports to the world, a symbol of hard work and excellence, and a beacon of hope and inspiration for the younger generation”.
Obi in his congratulatory message to Okonjo-Iweala said, “Her rise to greatness through productive contribution to societal development stands as a lesson to us in Nigeria; first, as leaders, who must understand that leadership is a responsibility to care for the people; and then as a people, who must understand that our leadership recruitment process must be based on character, competence, capability and integrity”.
Reacting, Okonjo-Iweala expressed gratitude to the 166-member nations of the WTO following her re-election for a second term as the DG.
“I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members. It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term,” she said.
Reflecting on her first term, the former Nigerian finance minister highlighted the WTO’s significant role in addressing global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and geopolitical tensions.
She remarked, “In recent years, the WTO has played a vital role in helping members navigate pressing global challenges, including the pandemic, conflict, and heightened geopolitical tensions. I commend members for their hard work and determination in achieving progress despite unprecedented levels of uncertainty and rapid economic shifts.”
Looking ahead, Okonjo-Iweala reaffirmed her commitment to championing trade as a catalyst for economic growth and resilience while strengthening the multilateral trading system.
“As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter — results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world. By promoting trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience, the WTO will continue to provide a collaborative platform for Members to address shared global challenges”, Okonjo-Iweala said.
