President Bola Tinubu has lauded the reappointment of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a second four-year term, underscoring her exceptional leadership and the international community’s unwavering trust in her.
In a statement issued by the State House on Friday, President Tinubu expressed immense pride in Okonjo-Iweala’s continued role at the helm of the global trade body.
He described her reappointment as a testament to her outstanding contributions to global economic development and governance.
“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 highlighted.
Her first term is set to conclude on August 31, 2025, with her second term beginning immediately on September 1, 2025.
President Tinubu, in his remarks, expressed confidence that her leadership would further strengthen the WTO’s position 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, conveyed this in the press release, which was titled, “President Tinubu Hails Okonjo-Iweala’s WTO Reappointment, Says Global Trust Earned.”
The reappointment announcement came from the General Council of the WTO, which endorsed Okonjo-Iweala’s continued stewardship.
As a staunch supporter of multilateral trade systems and regional trade blocs such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the WTO’s mission of fostering a “fair, inclusive, and equitable multilateral trading system.”
The presidency’s statement further assured Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria’s steadfast support as she embarks on her second term.
It commended her “bold reforms, dedication to equitable global trade practices, and tireless efforts to promote international cooperation.”
Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment cements her place as one of the most influential figures in global trade and governance.
Her illustrious career, which includes her previous role as Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, has earned her global recognition and respect.
Her leadership at the WTO has been marked by efforts to address global trade inequalities, advocate for developing nations, and promote sustainable economic growth worldwide.
The Nigerian presidency’s statement emphasized that her achievements not only reflect her capabilities but also highlight Nigeria’s growing prominence on the global stage.
“This reappointment is a clear indication of Nigeria’s strong presence in global economic governance and our continued support for visionary leadership,” the statement read.
President Tinubu’s administration also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with global institutions like the WTO.
The Nigerian leader believes such partnerships are essential to driving sustainable economic development both within the country and across the continent.
Okonjo-Iweala’s historic tenure at the WTO began in March 2021, following a rigorous selection process that brought her wealth of experience and innovative vision to the forefront of the global trade organization.
Her efforts have been instrumental in revitalizing the WTO’s role in addressing challenges such as trade protectionism, supply chain disruptions, and the need for greater inclusivity in global trade policies.
Under her leadership, the WTO has also championed initiatives to facilitate equitable vaccine distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, reduce barriers to trade, and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries.
Her reappointment reflects the international community’s recognition of her accomplishments and the hope for continued progress under her guidance.
As a leader deeply committed to reforms, Okonjo-Iweala has consistently advocated for a more inclusive global trade framework that addresses the unique challenges faced by developing nations.
Her unwavering dedication to fairness, equity, and sustainability has made her a trailblazer in global economic policy.
The announcement of her reappointment has been met with widespread celebration in Nigeria and beyond, with many lauding her as a source of national pride and a beacon of hope for a more balanced global trade system.
President Tinubu’s recognition of her achievements underscores his administration’s support for empowering Nigerians to excel on the international stage.
He emphasized the importance of fostering a new generation of leaders who can continue to advance Nigeria’s interests globally.
Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership journey serves as an inspiration to many, particularly women and young professionals, demonstrating the heights that can be achieved through hard work, vision, and a commitment to excellence.
Her second term as WTO Director-General is expected to bring renewed focus on key global challenges, including climate change, technological advancements, and the evolving dynamics of international trade.
The presidency’s statement also highlighted Nigeria’s active participation in the WTO and its unwavering commitment to advancing the organization’s objectives.
It described Okonjo-Iweala’s role as pivotal in ensuring that the voices of developing countries are heard and their concerns addressed in global trade negotiations.
As she prepares to embark on her second term, Okonjo-Iweala has reiterated her commitment to fostering global cooperation and ensuring that trade serves as a tool for achieving shared prosperity.
Her leadership continues to inspire confidence in the WTO’s ability to navigate the complexities of the modern global economy while addressing the needs of its diverse membership.
For Nigeria, her reappointment represents not only a personal triumph but also a national achievement, reaffirming the country’s role as a key player in international affairs.
The Nigerian government has pledged to work closely with the WTO and other global institutions to promote policies that drive economic growth, create opportunities, and enhance the well-being of its citizens.
As the world looks ahead to the next chapter of Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership at the WTO, the international community remains hopeful for a more equitable and sustainable global trading system.
Her reappointment is a resounding endorsement of her vision and a reminder of the power of transformative leadership in shaping the future of global trade.
President Tinubu’s commendation of her achievements reflects a shared belief in the importance of collaboration, innovation, and resilience in addressing the challenges of our time.
With her historic second term, Okonjo-Iweala is poised to continue making significant strides in advancing global economic governance and fostering a more inclusive and prosperous world.
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