President Bola Tinubu and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi have congratulated Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her re-election as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Okonjo-Iweala, who made history in 2021 as the first African and first woman to lead the 164-member WTO, will begin her second four-year term on September 1, 2025, immediately after the conclusion of her first term on August 31.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership and pledged Nigeria’s unwavering support. He urged her to consolidate her efforts in advancing equitable global trade practices and promoting international cooperation.
Tinubu described her unanimous re-election as a testament to the trust the global community has in her leadership, adding, “Her continued leadership will strengthen the WTO’s role as a critical pillar of inclusive global economic growth and good governance.”
Similarly, Peter Obi hailed Okonjo-Iweala as “one of Nigeria’s most valuable human capital exports to the world.” He lauded her as a symbol of excellence and an inspiration for younger generations, emphasizing her exemplary leadership qualities and dedication to societal development.
“Her rise to greatness through productive contribution to societal development stands as a lesson to us in Nigeria — for leaders to see leadership as a responsibility to care for the people and for citizens to prioritize character, competence, and integrity in leadership recruitment,” Obi remarked.
Reacting to her re-election, Okonjo-Iweala expressed gratitude to the WTO’s 166-member nations for their trust and support. Reflecting on her first term, she highlighted the WTO’s pivotal role in addressing global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and geopolitical tensions.
“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,” she affirmed.
Okonjo-Iweala’s re-election has been widely celebrated as a significant achievement for Nigeria and the African continent, reinforcing her position as a global leader in economic governance.
