Zaria, Kaduna State (Nigeria): The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has urged Nigeria to move beyond importing renewable energy technologies and instead invest in local manufacturing and the deployment of solar and wind solutions.
This, according to her, would strengthen energy security, support industrial growth and harness job creation.
Okonjo-Iweala made the call on Friday in Zaria while delivering Ahmadu Bello University’s 45th Pre-Convocation Lecture.
The Pre-Convocation Lecture was titled ‘Challenges and Opportunities for Africa and Nigeria in the Present Global Geopolitical and Geostrategic Context’.
She stated that, despite Africa’s vast renewable energy potential, the continent had continued to attract a disproportionately small share of global clean-energy investment.
The WTO director-general pointed to ongoing positive developments across the continent, including growth in manufacturing, services, digital innovation, renewable energy, and mineral processing.
She cited Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery, a Lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State, and rising Fintech and Tech startups as examples.
She called on African countries, particularly Nigeria, to position themselves strategically to harness emerging opportunities in the evolving global geopolitical and geostrategic landscape.
The WTO boss said that although the international system was facing unprecedented disruption, the situation also presented a historic opportunity for Africa to reposition itself as a key driver of global growth, trade, and innovation.
According to her, Africa must engage the world not as a supplicant for dwindling aid, but as an attractive destination for investment, trade, and value-added production.
“In spite of the turbulence in the global economy, Africa can emerge stronger if it strengthens domestic economic management, deepens regional integration, and takes advantage of supply chain diversification,” she said.
Okonjo-Iweala commended Ahmadu Bello University’s contributions to national development and global scholarship, citing renowned alumnus Prof. Rashid Sumaila.
According to her, Sumaila’s research influenced a landmark WTO agreement on curbing harmful fisheries subsidies.
Okonjo-Iweala also stressed the need for better governance, improved infrastructure, reduced trade costs, skills development, and stronger investment facilitation to unlock Africa’s full potential.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Vice- Chancellor of ABU, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, said the university was honoured to host Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, whom he described as the ‘distinguished daughter of Africa’.
He said her leadership at the WTO came at a time of global economic uncertainties and transformations, which resonate with the values of the ABU.
“We are grateful you chose to share your time and global economic experiences with the academic community in the ABU,” he said.
The vice-chancellor disclosed that the Director-General of the WTO will also be conferred an honorary doctorate by ABU during the Convocation Ceremony scheduled for Saturday.
The lecture, which was part of the activities marking ABU’s 45th Convocation Ceremony, was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Obasanjo was represented by the former Head of the Federal Civil Service, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, and the event was attended by academic leaders, policymakers, students, and other dignitaries.