Professor Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has reaffirmed her commitment to supporting Nigeria during its trying times following discussions with President Bola Tinubu.
In collaboration with former Health Minister Mohammed Ali Pate, Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the potential of grassroots initiatives to empower youth and women.
The WTO leader emphasized the organization’s focus on boosting Nigeria’s trade prospects, with a keen eye on sectors like agriculture, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
“We’re dedicated to bolstering digital trade to stimulate job creation,” she stated.
The conversation between the two leaders centered on aiding Nigerians in their current challenges.
“We recognize the struggles Nigerians are facing both domestically and abroad. This visit isn’t an official WTO mission, but it allowed us to engage with the President to discuss programs that could ease the burden on Nigerians,” Okonjo-Iweala explained.
The discourse touched upon community and grassroots initiatives to generate employment for young individuals, particularly supporting vulnerable women and children bearing the brunt of hardship.
Investment opportunities were also on the table, including the potential for Nigeria’s growth in the pharmaceutical sector.
“We’re already collaborating with Nigerian women who own small and medium enterprises, helping them improve their products’ quality in areas like agriculture and textiles to expand international sales. Our goal is to empower them with digital trade skills, enhancing their ability to trade globally and create jobs,” Okonjo-Iweala stated.
“We’re committed to aiding Nigerians in alleviating their current challenges,” she affirmed.
Dr. Pate echoed the sentiment, emphasizing President Tinubu’s awareness of people’s difficulties and his determination to alleviate them through strategic measures.
The President’s vision for healthcare and broader policy interventions was also discussed during the productive dialogue.
The meeting reinforced the unity and strength required to steer Nigeria towards a promising future, with a focus on health, economic growth, and overall national prosperity.