The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has revealed that effective public communication played a crucial role in helping Nigeria secure debt relief from the Paris Club during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Speaking at the launch of The Pain and the Promise, a book written by communications expert Paul Nwabuikwu in Abuja on Wednesday, Okonjo-Iweala reflected on her time as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and the reforms that led to the country's historic debt deal.
She recalled that she joined the Nigerian government from the World Bank in 2003 to strengthen the country's economy and negotiate the cancellation of nearly $30 billion in debt owed to the Paris Club of creditors.
According to her, the economic reforms required major sacrifices from Nigerians, making it essential to communicate government policies clearly and gain public understanding and support.
Okonjo-Iweala said she recruited Paul Nwabuikwu to lead the communications strategy because she believed successful reforms depended not only on policy implementation but also on public trust.
She praised Nwabuikwu for helping explain complex economic reforms in simple terms, noting that his communication efforts contributed significantly to the success of the government's reform agenda.
The WTO chief also stressed that sustainable national development would remain difficult unless Nigerians set aside ethnic, religious, and regional divisions to build a shared national vision.
She emphasized that talent exists in every part of Nigeria and urged leaders to prioritize competence and professionalism over ethnic or regional considerations.
Reviewing Nwabuikwu’s book, Okonjo-Iweala described it as an insightful account of Nigeria’s political, economic, and social journey over the past three decades. She encouraged young Nigerians to read the book to better understand the country's history and development challenges.
Nigeria secured a landmark debt relief agreement with the Paris Club in 2005, leading to the cancellation of about $18 billion—roughly 60 percent—of its nearly $30 billion bilateral debt. The agreement was finalized under President Olusegun Obasanjo and completed in April 2006.
Former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka, who also spoke at the event, said Nigeria needs constructive critics, responsible public officials, and citizens willing to work together to strengthen democracy and national development.
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