World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called on Nigerian leaders to ensure that ongoing economic reforms produce meaningful improvements in the lives of citizens, stressing that policies must create jobs and deliver visible benefits to sustain public confidence.
Speaking during a fireside discussion 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 Nigeria’s long-term prosperity will depend more on effective leadership and good governance than on its natural resources.
The former Minister of Finance stated that leadership remains the most critical factor in national development, urging those in positions of authority to place the interests of the country above personal ambitions. According to her, leaders should focus on implementing policies that encourage economic growth, remove barriers to development and create employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
She noted that when leadership is driven by accountability and genuine commitment to national progress, more Nigerians will choose to build their future at home instead of seeking opportunities abroad.
According to her, leaders should focus on implementing policies that encourage economic growth, remove barriers to development and create employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
She noted that when leadership is driven by accountability and genuine commitment to national progress, more Nigerians will choose to build their future at home instead of seeking opportunities abroad.
Okonjo-Iweala also stressed that citizens have an important role to play in promoting good governance. She urged Nigerians to demand transparency, integrity and accountability from public officials while actively participating in democratic processes. She added that protecting freedom of expression is essential to ensuring leaders remain accountable to the people.
While commending the Central Bank of Nigeria for reforms aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, the WTO chief cautioned that the success of such policies should ultimately be measured by their impact on ordinary Nigerians. She explained that economic reforms would continue to attract criticism if households and businesses do not experience tangible improvements in their daily lives.
She also expressed confidence in Africa’s future, pointing to the continent’s rapidly growing population as a major advantage. According to her, Africa’s expanding workforce presents enormous opportunities for economic growth if governments invest in sound leadership, job creation and sustainable development policies.
