TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari says the appointment of Ngozi Ikonjo-Iweala as director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has brought Nigeria joy and honour. 

Okonjo-Iweala, a former minister of finance and ex-World Bank managing director, was appointed on Monday as the first female head of the Geneva-based organisation.

Congratulating her in a statement by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, Buhari said he believes that her track record “will continue to yield positive results and rewards to mankind”.

The president added that he is convinced that she will excel in her new role.

“As the Harvard-educated and renowned economist takes up another onerous task of service to the world and humanity, the President believes her track record of integrity, diligence and passion for development will continue to yield positive results and rewards to mankind,” the statement read.

“President Buhari affirms that Dr Okonjo-Iweala, who over the years set major records of economic reforms in Nigeria as Minister of Finance, and later Minister of Foreign Affairs, will excel in her new position and validate the global mandate of repositioning and strengthening the multilateral institution for the greater good of all.”

Speaking on her appointment, Okonjo-Iweala said she is honoured to be the DG of the WTO.

TheCable chronicles the timeline of Okonjo-Iweala’s ascension to the new office here.