WTO DG Okonjo-Iweala Urges Tinubu to Establish Social Safety Nets for Nigerians

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to establish robust social safety nets to cushion the economic hardship faced by poor Nigerians due to ongoing economic reforms. This plea comes after her meeting with President Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on August 14, 2025 .

While commending President Tinubu for stabilizing the economy through reforms like petrol subsidy removal and foreign exchange window unification, Okonjo-Iweala emphasized that stability alone is not enough. The next critical phase must focus on economic expansion and protecting citizens who bear the brunt of these reforms .

Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the importance of implementing social safety nets to support those feeling the pinch of the reforms. She stated, “What is needed next is growth; we now need to grow the economy and we need to put in social safety nets so that people who are feeling the pinch of the reforms can also have some support to weather the hardship. That’s the next step” .

The WTO DG also mentioned initiatives like the Women’s Exporters’ Fund for the digital economy, which supports women in weathering economic storms and creating jobs. This fund has already benefited 146 Nigerian women, with 16 receiving support to scale up their businesses and 100 receiving $5,000 each to start or strengthen their ventures .

In conclusion, Okonjo-Iweala’s call for social safety nets underscores the need for the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens amidst economic reforms. By implementing targeted welfare measures and promoting economic growth, Nigeria can work towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all its citizens.