Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), voiced her concerns about Nigeria's developmental challenges during a keynote address at the Nigerian Bar Association's (NBA) Annual General Conference in Lagos.
She highlighted that Nigeria, despite over 60 years of independence, has not progressed as it should have. Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the importance of policy consistency and the dangers of abandoning effective policies with each change in administration. She called for the establishment of a "social contract," a fundamental agreement across political and social lines to safeguard essential policies, ensuring they remain untouched by political transitions.
She also expressed concerns over the politicization of security, warning that such actions have significantly contributed to Nigeria's current challenges. Okonjo-Iweala urged for a unified approach to governance and stressed the necessity of protecting national assets through consistent and collaborative strategies.
Her remarks urged a shift from blame to actionable steps that address the pressing and emerging challenges facing Nigeria. She advocated for institutionalizing good economic and social policies through law or even embedding them in the Constitution, ensuring that these policies remain consistent and effective regardless of political changes.
In conclusion, she highlighted the need for a broad agreement on security, economic stability, and governance as essential foundations for Nigeria’s future progress.
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