Okonjo-Iweala Tells Tinubu: ‘Grow the Economy, Protect the Vulnerable’

|By Adejumo Adekunle

Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and former Nigerian finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to focus on expanding the economy and creating a social safety net to shield citizens from the harsh impact of ongoing reforms.

Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting with the president at the Aso Villa on Thursday, Okonjo-Iweala commended Tinubu for stabilising Nigeria’s economy over the past two years, but stressed that the next phase must deliver tangible benefits to the people.

“He has to be given credit for stabilising the economy,” she said. “The reforms have been in the right direction, but what is needed next is growth. We must grow the economy and put up a social safety net for those feeling the pinch. The goal is to put more money in people’s pockets.”

The WTO chief revealed that discussions with the president centred on strategies to boost economic growth, deepen reforms, and ensure vulnerable Nigerians are protected from economic shocks.