Okonjo-Iweala back home to explore boosting Nigeria’s trade, economy

THE Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s 4-day visit to Nigeria is aimed at discussing with public and private sector operatives on issues relating to enhancing and boosting the country’s economy.

The renowned economist disclosed this as she briefed newsmen at the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport on Saturday.

She explained that it is needful for the country to explore its share of trade in Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement. ‌According to her, she will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari and a number of ministers in the coming days.

On Nigeria’s share of trade in Africa, she expressed optimism that Nigeria could use the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, to boost trade and investment.

“And to do that we have to improve our investments and add value to some of our products, because the AfCFTA is a unique opportunity for us to be able to engage commercially with other African nations to boost export.

“When you boost export, you create more jobs. We are also going to talk about the digital economy and how young people are accessing the internet for e-commerce, those are some of the issues and more activities we can create to support that,” she said.

Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, noted that “it was a unique moment and opportunity to thank the world for supporting us to achieve this feat of having a Nigerian as the head of the WTO.

“We have received a lot of support from many countries, we appreciate them. Her visit is specifically to start from home to say thank you to the President and Nigerians who supported her from home and in the Diaspora.

“Tremendous support has gone into the process and we are grateful that she emerged, after a very thoroughly contested process as the D-G. It is a proud moment for Nigeria, for herself and also for women in the world,” Mr Sani-Gwarzo said.

Nigeria’s former Consul General to the United States and former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Joe Keshi, while answering questions during an interview on the benefits of Okonjo-Iweala’s appointment to Nigeria and women, stated that the only way Nigeria as a country can benefit from her appointment is by being productive.

“I need to make this point which I have made to a few who when we discuss, a few that I answered their questions yesterday who said to me how would Ngozi help Nigeria and I said no she will not help you.

“She will not help you unless you are productive, she will not help you except you have something to sell, because her role as a DG of the World Trade Organization, the World Trade Organization is an organization that regulates global trade and except you have something to sell and you know put into the world market her role is to ensure that you get a fair deal and that you are not cheated in the whole process.”