Nigerias President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her re-election as Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO).
The unanimous vote by the WTO General Council gave a second tenure to Ngozi a Nigerian earlier on Friday.
Mrs Okonjo-Iweala has been the Director-General for a term already.
WTO, in a statement released, said the reappointment takes effect on 1 September 2025.
This decision reflects broad recognition of Okonjo-Iweala’s exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the future of the WTO.
Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Friday, noted that Okonjo-Iweala’s unanimous reappointment demonstrates the trust and confidence the international community places in her leadership to advance multilateral trade for sustainable global development.
The statement reads, “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.”
The president assured Mrs 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.
In a statement following her reappointment on Friday, Okonjo-Iweala expressed honour and privilege to continue serving as Director-General of WTO.
She said, “I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 members. It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term.”
The DG said in recent years, WTO has played a vital role in helping members navigate pressing global challenges, including the pandemic, conflict, and heightened geopolitical tensions.
“I commend members for their hard work and determination in achieving progress despite unprecedented levels of uncertainty and rapid economic shifts. As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter—results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world.”
“By promoting trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience, the WTO will continue to provide a collaborative platform for members to address shared global challenges. I am deeply committed to working alongside the talented and dedicated staff of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all.”
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