President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated a former Nigerian Minister of Finance and Economy Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her election as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.
Ms Okonjo-Iweala will assume office on 1 March 2021 and will become the first woman and the first African to be chosen as Director-General. Her term, renewable, will expire on 31 August 2025.
In a statement by Garba Shehu, the Nigerian leader’s senior special assistant on media and publicity, Okonjo-Iweala’s election has brought joy and more honour to the country.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
By Abel Ejikeme