ABUJA — The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his economic team for what she described as the stability achieved in Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting with the President at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, Okonjo-Iweala said the WTO believes Nigeria’s economy is “turning the corner” following recent reforms.

“We think the President and his team have worked hard to stabilize the economy. You cannot really improve an economy unless it is stable, so he has to be given credit for that stability,” she said.

While acknowledging the progress made, the WTO chief noted that the next priority should be driving economic growth and strengthening social safety nets to cushion the impact of the reforms on vulnerable Nigerians.

“What is needed next is growth. We need to grow the economy and put in social safety nets so that people who are feeling the pinch of the reforms can have support to weather the hardship,” she explained.

Okonjo-Iweala emphasized that job creation and improving household incomes remain critical to sustaining the gains so far recorded.

“How do we grow the economy so we can create more jobs and put more money in people’s pockets? These are issues we discussed with Mr. President,” she added.

Lagos Eye News reports that the meeting also focused on trade matters affecting Nigeria, Africa, and the global economy. Discussions covered economic diversification, expanding access to international markets, enhancing regional trade agreements, and positioning Nigeria for greater competitiveness in global trade.

The engagement comes ahead of Okonjo-Iweala’s second term as WTO Director-General, which begins on September 1, 2025.