Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has credited the Tinubu administration with stabilising Nigeria’s economy, describing its sweeping reforms as crucial to restoring stability and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.

Speaking after meeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, yesterday, the former finance minister said:

“We think that the President and his team have worked hard to stabilise the economy, and you cannot improve an economy unless it’s stable. So, he has to be given the credit for the stability of the economy. The reforms have been in the right direction. What is needed next is growth… and social safety nets so that people who are feeling the pinch of the reforms can also have some support to weather the hardship.”

Okonjo-Iweala revealed that her discussions with the President focused on building strong social safety nets and unlocking growth through job creation, increased investment opportunities, and higher household incomes.

She was in Abuja to brief the President on the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund a $50 million global initiative by the WTO and International Trade Centre (ITC), supported by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Nigeria is among just four countries chosen from 67,000 applicants worldwide.

Under the first phase, 146 Nigerian women entrepreneurs will benefit. Sixteen “booster track” participants will receive intensive technical and business development support for 18 months, while another 100 will each get $5,000 and one year of mentorship. Okonjo-Iweala said the programme aims to help women withstand economic shocks, create jobs, and drive inclusive growth.