Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has called on the Federal Government to move beyond economic stabilisation and prioritise job creation and the attraction of global investments to drive sustainable growth.
Okonjo-Iweala made the remarks on Wednesday during a fireside chat at the Nigeria House on the sidelines of the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.
According to the former Nigerian finance minister, while recent policy efforts aimed at stabilising the economy are important, they must now translate into tangible outcomes that improve livelihoods, create employment opportunities and position Nigeria as a competitive destination for international capital.
She stressed that Nigeria’s large population, strategic market size and entrepreneurial energy present significant opportunities, but these advantages can only be fully realised through deliberate reforms that encourage productivity, support the private sector and build investor confidence.
Okonjo-Iweala also highlighted the need for consistency in policy implementation, improved trade facilitation and stronger integration into global value chains, noting that these factors are critical to attracting long-term investments rather than speculative capital.
The WTO chief further underscored the importance of leveraging trade as a tool for development, especially by supporting small and medium-scale enterprises and creating an enabling environment for young people to participate meaningfully in the economy.
Her comments come amid ongoing discussions at the WEF focused on global economic recovery, trade resilience and inclusive growth, with Nigeria seeking to reposition itself as a key player in Africa’s economic transformation.
The intervention by Okonjo-Iweala adds to growing calls for Nigeria to move from short-term economic adjustments to policies that deliver jobs, boost exports and attract sustainable foreign investments capable of driving broad-based development.
