Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has challenged Nigerian leaders to ensure that ongoing economic reforms translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens, warning that policies must create jobs and deliver visible benefits to retain public trust.
Speaking during a fireside conversation with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, at the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum (EMF) in Abuja, Okonjo-Iweala said the ultimate success of economic reforms would not be judged by policy announcements but by their impact on households and businesses.
She stressed that while macroeconomic reforms are necessary, they must produce measurable results for Nigerians.
According to the former Minister of Finance, reforms that fail to improve living standards will continue to face public resistance.
She also maintained that Nigeria’s future prosperity depends less on its abundant natural resources than on the quality of its leadership, urging public office holders to place national interest above personal ambition.
Okonjo-Iweala said effective leadership should focus on implementing policies that stimulate economic growth, remove obstacles to investment and create sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for the country’s growing youth population.
She added that accountable and purposeful governance would inspire more Nigerians to build their future at home instead of seeking opportunities abroad.
The WTO chief also urged citizens to play an active role in strengthening democracy by demanding transparency, integrity and accountability from those in government.
She noted that safeguarding freedom of expression remains critical to ensuring public officials remain answerable to the people.
While commending the Central Bank of Nigeria for the reforms introduced under Governor Olayemi Cardoso to restore macroeconomic stability, Okonjo-Iweala cautioned that the real measure of success lies in whether ordinary Nigerians experience meaningful improvements in their daily lives.
She said economic reforms would continue to attract criticism if families and businesses do not feel their positive effects.
Expressing optimism about Africa’s economic prospects, Okonjo-Iweala described the continent’s rapidly expanding population as one of its greatest competitive advantages.
According to her, Africa’s youthful workforce represents enormous potential for economic transformation, provided governments invest in sound leadership, job creation and sustainable development policies capable of unlocking that potential.
