Okonjo-Iweala: Tinubu’s economic policies straining Nigerians, but…

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said that while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms are moving in the right direction and the economy is beginning to stabilise, many Nigerians are experiencing hardship as a result.

The WTO chief made the remarks in a post on X on Friday, reflecting on her discussions with the president during her visit to the State House.

Okonjo-Iweala, who met with Tinubu in Abuja on Thursday, noted that there is an urgent need to strengthen social safety nets to cushion the impact of the reforms, particularly for the poor and vulnerable.

She stressed that targeted programmes should be introduced to help citizens cope with current economic challenges.

She also stressed the importance of focusing on economic growth, job creation, and improving citizens’ disposable income.


According to her, initiatives such as the joint WTO–International Trade Centre WEIDE Fund, which supports women in trading digitally, are vital for driving inclusive economic opportunities.


She wrote, “In Abuja, Nigeria visiting H.E President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We had a good discussion on the state of the economy and I shared with him that, whilst my perception is that the ongoing reforms are in the right direction and the economy is now stabilizing, there is a need to focus on building more social safety nets and growing the economy.

“I explained that Nigerians are experiencing hardship from the reforms and putting in place more programs to help people especially poor and vulnerable people manage the hardship is very important. At the same time it is necessary to start work on growing the economy to create more jobs and put money in people’s pockets. That is why programs like the @WTO-@ITCnews WEIDE Fund that empowers women to trade digitally are critical.”

Source: Tribune