President Bola Tinubu has applauded the reappointment of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a second four-year term. In a statement issued by the State House on Friday, Tinubu described the reappointment as a reflection of her outstanding leadership and the trust the global community places in her ability to drive sustainable economic development.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, who made history in 2021 as the first African and first woman to lead the 164-nation WTO, will begin her second term on September 1, 2025, following the conclusion of her first term on August 31, 2025.
President Tinubu expressed confidence that her continued leadership would strengthen the WTO’s pivotal role in advancing inclusive global economic growth and fostering good governance.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, shared the statement titled, “President Tinubu Hails Okonjo-Iweala’s WTO Reappointment, Says Global Trust Earned.”
The presidency emphasized Nigeria’s strong commitment to the WTO’s mission of creating a fair, inclusive, and equitable multilateral trading system, as well as its support for regional trade initiatives like ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
President Tinubu assured Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria’s unwavering backing as she pursues bold reforms and advocates for equitable global trade practices and international cooperation.
Okonjo-Iweala, who previously served as Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, continues to be a prominent figure in global trade and governance. Her reappointment highlights Nigeria’s significant role in the international economic arena and underscores the country’s commitment to supporting visionary leaders on the global stage.
