Okonjo-Iweala Urges Federal Gov’t To Boost Trade For Job Creation

The director general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called on Nigeria to accelerate job creation and expand its export base through increased trade to ensure economic growth translates into improved living standards.

Speaking during a meeting with the minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, in Abuja on Friday, Okonjo-Iweala commended the government’s ongoing reforms, noting their potential to restore investor confidence and open fresh market opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

She also urged the government to strengthen social safety nets and enhance energy security to make growth more inclusive.

“We must make sure that the gains from reforms and trade opportunities translate into real jobs and better livelihoods for Nigerians,” she said, according to a statement that was issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Both leaders pledged to work together to integrate Nigeria more deeply into global value chains and harness digital trade, recognising the private sector as a key driver of competitiveness, resilience, and shared prosperity.

The meeting was described by the finance ministry as an essential step towards advancing a shared agenda for trade-led growth, investment, and inclusive development in Nigeria.