Okonjo-Iweala Credits Tinubu for Economic Stability, Urges Focus on Growth and Poverty Alleviation
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves commendation for stabilising Nigeria’s economy through what she described as bold and necessary reforms.
PulseNets learnt that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala spoke to State House correspondents on Thursday after a closed-door meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The WTO chief noted that the government’s moves to steady the economy were an important foundation for long-term growth.
“The president and his team have worked hard to stabilize the economy and you can’t really improve an economy unless it’s stable. He has to be given the credit for the stability of the economy, so the reforms have been in the right direction,” she told PulseNets.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stressed that stabilising the economy was only the first phase of a broader recovery plan.
“What is needed next is growth. We now need to grow the economy, and we need to put in social safety nets so that the people who are feeling the pinch of the reforms can also have some support to be able to weather the hardship. That’s the next step, how do we build social safety nets to help Nigerians cushion the hardship they are feeling and how do we grow the economy so we can create more jobs and put money in people’s pockets? These are issues we discussed with the President,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of policies that directly touch the lives of Nigerians, create economic opportunities, and drive inclusive growth.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala also assured of the WTO’s continued support for Nigeria’s economic revival, PulseNets reported.
According to her, the meeting reflects a deepening collaboration between the Tinubu-led administration and international partners aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s economic recovery.
Also Read: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Seeks Second Term as WTO Director-General Amid Strong Member Support
Meanwhile, the World Bank has acknowledged that Nigeria’s economy is showing signs of stability under President Tinubu’s leadership. PulseNets learnt that the Bank projects the economy to grow by 3.6 per cent in 2025, citing the positive impact of macroeconomic reforms, especially in the petroleum, foreign exchange, and power sectors.
The Bank noted that while inflation remains a pressing challenge, the reforms have already yielded measurable results — including higher national revenue and a reduction in the fiscal deficit — fostering a more stable business environment.
With both the WTO and World Bank optimistic, Nigeria’s economic outlook hinges on sustaining stability, expanding growth, and ensuring that vulnerable citizens are protected from the immediate effects of ongoing reforms.
