JUST IN: Tinubu Hosts WTO DG Okonjo-Iweala in Closed-Door Meeting in Abuja
- President Bola Tinubu met WTO Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Abuja ahead of her second term
- The closed-door talks focused on trade matters affecting Nigeria, Africa, and the global economy
- Okonjo-Iweala’s new term begins on September 1, 2025, with reforms and digital trade among her priorities
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday hosted the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting, held behind closed doors, focused on trade issues with implications for Nigeria, Africa, and the global economy.
It came just two weeks before the conclusion of Okonjo-Iweala’s first four-year term as head of the WTO, which ends on August 31, 2025. Her second term is scheduled to begin the following day, September 1, 2025.
About Okonjo-Iweala
Okonjo-Iweala, a respected development economist and former Nigerian finance minister, made history in March 2021 when she became the first African and the first woman to lead the 164-member trade body.
Her tenure has been marked by efforts to strengthen global trade systems, foster cooperation among member states, and address challenges facing developing economies.
President Tinubu has previously voiced his support for her leadership, describing it as a valuable asset to the organisation and to Africa.
He expressed confidence that her reappointment would reinforce the WTO’s role as a driver of inclusive growth and fair governance in global trade.
Details of the discussions at Thursday’s meeting were not made public, but both sides are believed to have reviewed Nigeria’s position in the multilateral trading system, opportunities for economic diversification, and ways to expand the country’s access to international markets.
Source: Legit.ng
