Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria have come together to find innovative solutions for the country’s pressing issues.
Their meeting took place at the State House in Abuja and went beyond official roles. Okonjo-Iweala, speaking in her personal capacity, and President Tinubu engaged in a conversation focused on alleviating the tough conditions faced by Nigerians.
The heart of their discussion revolved around practical plans to create jobs, empower women, and boost digital trade in Nigeria’s economy. This dynamic approach aims to improve the lives of everyday people by addressing their immediate struggles.
The conversation also looked at broader solutions, including investments in sectors like pharmaceuticals. Okonjo-Iweala emphasized that their collaboration extends beyond their respective roles. Their goal is to strengthen community initiatives that benefit young people, women, and children who are hit hardest by the country’s challenges.
“So, this was not really 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 we we had a conversation on trying to look at community and grassroots programmes that can be put in place to create jobs for young people trying to support women and children who are those who are bearing the brunt of some of the suffering in the country.”
She continued, “We also talked about the type of support the WTO, the World Trade Organization, can bring.
“We are 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, textiles, and in other areas so that they can sell more internationally.
“We’re trying to help them with digital trade. The wave of the future is digital trade. So, how do we train and empower Nigerian women and small and medium enterprises throughout the country, create more jobs?
“That’s what’s needed now in Nigerians to alleviate these difficult conditions that they are in. So, that is what we discussed with Mr. President and as the Director General of the World Trade Organization, we’re going to try to do the most we can to support Nigerians at this particular time.”
Dr. Mohammed Pate, a respected figure in global health and a ministerial nominee for President Tinubu, supported Okonjo-Iweala’s sentiments, confirming President Tinubu’s commitment to easing Nigeria’s difficulties.
Pate assured the public that these tough times are temporary, and President Tinubu is actively working to provide relief.
Pate highlighted, “I think I’ll just reaffirm, that Mr. President is fully aware of the difficulties that people are facing, and committed and I think doing all that he can and with his team to ensure that those sufferings are alleviated.
“That was the main thrust of the conversation that we had in terms of targeting those who are most vulnerable, women, children, youth, attracting investment opportunities, that can grow the economy so that people will get some succour because the difficulties that we’re facing is transitory.
“I think with the vision of the President there’s reason to be very hopeful that we’ll navigate through this difficult time and have a Nigeria that sees us stronger, united, and conspired to the greatness that is in our future.
The discussion also covered healthcare, with a focus on empowering women and youth through local programs. Pate emphasized the importance of comprehensive healthcare, from basic care to more advanced treatments.’
“Mr. President also discussed with us some of the vision on health that he has and I think is great to see that health is one area where it connects everyone.
“Health affects everyone from the policy side, regulatory side, pharmaceuticals and quality of pharmaceuticals, the financing side, in terms of financial protection, health insurance, and all those elements, primary health care in every nook and cranny of this country, folks have ailments like malaria, vaccinations, treatment of basic diseases with primary healthcare system, as well as hospital care, which is very important.
Because sometimes you have primary health care at the front ends you also have higher levels, care that is offered to tertiary facilities”.