By Barth Ikiebe
In a significant step towards boosting Nigeria’s economic prospects, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Nigeria’s Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, have agreed to advance a shared agenda for trade-led growth, investment, and inclusive development.
This was reached when Dr Okonjo Iweala visited Mr Edun in Abuja.
During the meeting, HM Edun highlighted Nigeria’s recent macroeconomic stabilisation — from a stronger naira and easing inflation to ratings upgrades from Fitch and Moody’s — as the foundation for sustained growth. He outlined a strategy built on export diversification, private-sector investment, and human capital development aimed at achieving 7% GDP growth.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala commended these reforms, noting their potential to restore investor confidence and open new market opportunities under the AfCFTA. She urged Nigeria to accelerate job creation, expand exports, and strengthen safety nets and energy security to ensure growth translates into improved living standards.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to integrating Nigeria into global value chains and harnessing digital trade, recognising the private sector as a key driver of competitiveness, resilience, and shared prosperity.
The Finance Ministry Spokesman, Mohammed Manga, says in a statement that the meeting marks a crucial step towards a brighter economic future for Nigeria.
