President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, on reappointment as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Okonjo-Iweala, it would be recalled, was unanimously reappointed by the WTO’s General Council for a second term.
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.
In a Friday statement signed by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed delight with Okonjo-Iweala’s unanimous appointment for a second four-year term.
The Nigerian leader said her reappointment 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 reads.
