President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala following her unanimous reappointment as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, the president assured Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria’s continued support as she embarks on her second term as head of the international body.
Okonjo-Iweala’s re-election comes after a successful first term, which saw her make history in 2021 by becoming the first African and the first woman to lead the WTO. The new term, which will begin on September 1, 2025, will see her serve for another four years. Her first term is set to end on August 31, 2025.
In his congratulatory message, President Tinubu praised Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership, noting that her unanimous reappointment is a testament to the trust and confidence the international community has in her. “Her unanimous appointment for a second four-year term demonstrates the trust and confidence the international community places in her leadership,” he said in the statement.
The president highlighted that her leadership would continue to be pivotal in advancing global trade for sustainable development. “President Tinubu is confident that her continued leadership will strengthen the international economic organization’s role as a critical pillar of inclusive global economic growth and good governance in the next four years,” the statement further read.
President Tinubu also underscored Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the WTO’s mission, noting that the country would remain an active participant in the organization’s efforts to foster a fair and equitable global trading system. “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,” the president stated.
In his remarks, the president reiterated that Nigeria would continue to back Okonjo-Iweala’s reforms and efforts to promote international cooperation. He expressed confidence in her ability to drive positive change in the global economic landscape. “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 affirmed.
