President Muhammadu Buhari has hailed the appointment of former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
During a virtual meeting on Monday, the WTO’s 164 members unanimously selected the 66-year-old development economist to serve a four-year term as DG beginning March 1.
She can seek to renew her term after it ends on Aug. 31, 2025.
In a congratulatory message on Twitter, President Buhari said the Harvard-trained economist has brought joy and honour to Nigeria.
“On behalf of the Federal Government and all Nigerians, President @MBuhari warmly felicitates with former Minister of Finance and Economy, Dr @NOIweala on her election as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation @wto, bringing joy and more honour to the country,” Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, wrote on behalf of the president on Monday.
“As the Harvard-educated and renowned economist takes up another onerous task of service to the world and humanity, the President believes her track record of integrity, diligence and passion for development will continue to yield positive results and rewards to mankind.
“President Buhari affirms that Dr Okonjo-Iweala, who over the years set major records of economic reforms in Nigeria as Minister of Finance, and later Minister of Foreign Affairs, will excel in her new position and validate the global mandate of repositioning and strengthening the multilateral institution for the greater good of all.
“The President joins family, friends and colleagues in wishing Dr Okonjo-Iweala well in her new endeavour.”
Okonjo-Iweala is the first woman and first African to clinch the coveted office.
