By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, on her unanimous re-election as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO.

The renowned development economist and global finance expert made history in 2021 as the first African and first woman to lead the 164-nation-member WTO.

Her first term as the seventh Director-General of the WTO will expire on August 31, 2025, while the second term begins September 1.

The Nigerian leader noted with delight that Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s unanimous appointment for a second four-year term demonstrated the trust and confidence the international community placed in her leadership to advance multilateral trade for sustainable global development.

A statement by the Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, stated that 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.

According to the statement, “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.

“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.”