Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation, has stated that the WTO will increase its assistance for women and Nigerians in order to mitigate the effects of the current economic slowdown.
After meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, Dr Okonjo-Iweala held a news conference in Abuja to address how they plan to alleviate the economic hardships now facing Nigerians.
Okonjo-Iweala told reporters after the meeting that her "quiet visit," which was not an official WTO mission, was focused on ways to help the Nigerian people at this moment.
“We all know things are difficult for Nigerians outside; everyone is struggling. I’m here myself on a quiet visit."
"So, this was not an official WTO mission, but we were able to engage with Mr. President to talk about 'what are the kinds of programmes that could be put in place to make sure that the suffering of Nigerians are being alleviated?'"
She added that said she and Tinubu had a "really good conversation" about measures that might be implemented at the community and grassroots level to help women and children, who she said were the most vulnerable, and create jobs for young people.
She said they discussed the significance of Nigeria seizing long-term investment possibilities, such as those in the pharmaceutical business.
“We also talked about what type of support the WTO – the World Trade Organization – can bring,” Okonjo-Iweala said.
“We’re already working in Nigeria with women, in particular, who own small and medium enterprises, to try to help them upgrade the quality of their products., whether it’s in the agricultural area, in textiles, and other areas so that they can sell more internationally.”
The economics expert not only predicted the rise of online commerce but also hinted at government regulation of the sector.
“So, how do we train, empower, and give Nigerian women and owners of small and medium enterprises support so they can trade more and create more jobs? That’s what’s needed now, helping Nigerians to alleviate the difficult conditions that they are in,” she added.
