President Bola Tinubu has hailed the reappointment of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation for a second four-year term.
In a statement released by the State House on Friday, Tinubu described the reappointment as a testament to Okonjo-Iweala’s exceptional leadership and the trust the international community places in her ability to foster sustainable global economic development.
“The renowned development economist and global finance expert made history in 2021 as the first African and first woman to lead the 164-nation WTO,” the statement read.
Her first term will expire on August 31, 2025, with the second term commencing on September 1, 2025.
Tinubu expressed confidence that Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership will continue to solidify the WTO’s role as a “critical pillar of inclusive global economic growth and good governance” in the years ahead.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in the Friday press release
It was titled, “President Tinubu Hails Okonjo-Iweala’s WTO Reappointment, Says Global Trust Earned.”
PUNCH Online earlier reported that the General Council of the WTO has reappointed Okonjo-Iweala for a second term as its DG.
As a staunch supporter of the WTO, as well as regional trade blocs like ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the organisation’s mission of fostering a “fair, inclusive, and equitable multilateral trading system.”
The presidency’s statement further assured Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria’s unwavering support as she continues her “bold reforms, dedication to equitable global trade practices, and tireless efforts to promote international cooperation.”
With this reappointment, Okonjo-Iweala, a former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance in Nigeria, cements her position as one of the most influential figures in global trade and governance.
The announcement underscores Nigeria’s prominent role in the global economic landscape and the country’s continued backing of visionary leadership on the world stage.
(PUNCH)