Okonjo-Iweala Breaks Silence, Praises Tinubu’s Stabilisation Efforts

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has applauded President Bola Tinubu for his leadership in stabilising Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking to State House correspondents after a courtesy visit to the President, she described the meeting as “very good” and expressed appreciation for his willingness to engage on a major initiative aimed at empowering Nigerian women and bolstering economic resilience.

Okonjo-Iweala commended the administration’s efforts in steering the economy toward stability, noting that such stability is the critical foundation for sustained progress.

“You cannot really improve an economy unless it is stable, and President Tinubu deserves credit for achieving that,” she remarked.

According to Ireporter Online, the WTO chief briefed the President on the launch of a women’s exporters fund for the digital economy, jointly managed by the WTO and the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva, and implemented in partnership with the First Lady.

The initiative, which saw Nigeria emerge as one of only four countries selected globally, is designed to help Nigerian women overcome economic challenges, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

She revealed that out of 67,000 Nigerian women who applied, 146 were selected to receive direct funding to either scale or start their businesses.

Beneficiaries will also enjoy technical and business support for up to 18 months, with the WTO and ITC working alongside the Ministry of Trade and Investment and the Nigeria Export Promotion Council to ensure tangible growth and job creation.

According to Ireporter Online, Okonjo-Iweala emphasised that with economic stabilisation achieved through ongoing reforms, Nigeria’s next priority must be driving growth while establishing robust social safety nets.

She stressed the importance of cushioning the impact of reforms on vulnerable citizens, fostering job opportunities, and raising incomes — all of which formed key parts of her discussions with the President.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”