- Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala re-elected as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for a second term, confirmed on Friday.
- Okonjo-Iweala made history in 2021 as the first African and first woman to lead the WTO.
- President Bola Tinubu expressed strong support for Okonjo-Iweala, commending her leadership and urging her to continue advancing equitable global trade practices.
- Tinubu assured the WTO of Nigeria’s ongoing dedication to supporting multilateral trade through the WTO, ECOWAS, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
President Bola Tinubu has applauded Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her re-election as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), describing the development as a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication to global trade.T
he WTO confirmed Okonjo-Iweala’s re-appointment on Friday through a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
She made history in 2021 as the first African and the first woman to lead the 164-member organisation.
Her initial term as the seventh Director-General will end on August 31, 2025, with her second term set to commence on September 1, 2025.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu pledged Nigeria’s unwavering support for Okonjo-Iweala.
The statement reads:
President Bola Tinubu congratulates Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, on her unanimous re-election today as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
“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.
“The Nigerian leader notes with delight that Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s unanimous appointment for a second four-year term 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.”