President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her formal appointment and ratification as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, saying she has brought joy and more honour to Nigeria.

Okonjo-Iweala was formally announced as the new DG of the WTO. Her appointment takes effect from March 1, 2021.

This was contained in a press statement reproduced below:

On behalf of the Federal Government and all Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with former Minister of Finance and Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on her election as Director General of the World Trade Organisation, bringing joy and more honour to the country.

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.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)