President Tinubu Congratulates Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Re-Election as WTO Director-General
President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her unanimous reappointment as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, who made history in 2021 as the first African and first woman to lead the 164-member WTO, will commence her second four-year term on September 1, 2025, immediately following the conclusion of her first term on August 31, 2025.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed pride in Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s continued success on the global stage. He described her reappointment as a testament to the international community’s unwavering trust and confidence in her leadership to advance multilateral trade and promote sustainable global development.
The President’s statement read:
“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 her 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 also highlighted the significant role Dr. Okonjo-Iweala will continue to play in ensuring the WTO remains a cornerstone of inclusive global economic growth and governance.
“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,” he added.
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s steadfast support for Dr. Okonjo-Iweala as she continues her work to reform global trade practices, champion equity in multilateral trade, and strengthen international economic cooperation.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, a globally celebrated development economist and former Nigerian Minister of Finance, has gained recognition for her bold reforms and commitment to promoting fair trade. Under her leadership, the WTO has navigated complex global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and evolving geopolitical tensions, while striving to ensure that trade becomes a vehicle for sustainable development.
President Tinubu expressed optimism that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s continued leadership would further enhance the WTO’s mission to create a more equitable global trade system, benefiting nations worldwide and reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international cooperation.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s re-election serves as a source of inspiration for many across Africa, showcasing the continent’s potential to contribute transformative leadership to global institutions.
