Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Is A Woman of Many Hats Every Nigerian Can Be Proud Of

• 30 Apr, 2025
• News
• 451 Views

When the name Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is mentioned, it's likely that many different thoughts will rob our minds as we wonder if it's the Ngozi of the Nigerian Finance Ministry or that of the World Bank, or even the World Trade Organization. We can choose to relate the name Ngozi with any of these, but in the end, the same person carries all these hats alone.

Ngozi, who obtained a Ph.D in Regional Economics and Development in 1981 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, hailed from Nigeria's Delta State. 

Now, as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, 70-year-old Ngozi is regarded as a Nigerian expert in global finance, economics, and international development. She has over 40 years of experience working in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America. Known for her strong negotiation skills, she has helped reach many agreements that benefit all parties. And this has made governments and groups trust her as a consensus builder and a reliable mediator.

Before making history in March 2021 as the first woman and the first African to become the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi served twice as Nigeria's Finance Minister, from 2003 to 2006 and from 2011 to 2015. In 2006, she briefly held the position of Foreign Minister, becoming the first woman to hold both roles. During those years, Ngozi guided Nigeria through key reforms in areas such as macroeconomics, trade, and finance, which helped improve the performance of both ministries and the overall government system in Nigeria.

Ngozi also had a 25-year career at the World Bank as a development economist, eventually becoming Managing Director of Operations, the organization’s second-highest position. She strongly believes in the ability of trade to help developing countries reduce poverty and achieve strong economic growth and sustainable development.

In 2012, she became the first woman and African to run for the presidency of the World Bank Group, supported by African nations and major developing countries in a historic and competitive race for the top development finance position. 

As Managing Director at the World Bank, she oversaw an $81 billion operational portfolio spanning Africa, South Asia, Europe, and Central Asia. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala led key initiatives to support low-income countries during the 2008-2009 food crisis and the subsequent financial crisis. In 2010, she chaired the World Bank’s successful campaign to secure $49.3 billion in grants and low-interest credit for the world’s poorest nations.

Today, Ngozi is globally recognized and has repeatedly appeared on Forbes' list of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in the World.

The WTO General Council has also unanimously agreed to reappoint Ngozi as Director-General for a second four-year term, beginning on 1 September 2025.

Among the many patriotic Nigerians making meaningful contributions worldwide, Ngozi stands out as a trailblazer, continually bringing pride to Nigeria with her remarkable achievements and promising even greater strides in the future.