- Okonjo-Iweala has urged Nigeria to shift from importing renewable energy technologies to building local manufacturing capacity.
- She said domestic production of solar and wind technologies would strengthen energy security, drive industrial growth, and create jobs.
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has urged Nigeria to move beyond importing renewable energy technologies and invest in local manufacturing, as well as large-scale deployment of solar and wind energy solutions.
She said local production would strengthen energy security, support industrial growth and create jobs. Okonjo-Iweala made the call last weekend in Zaria while delivering the 45th Pre-Convocation Lecture of Ahmadu Bello University.
She delivered the lecture titled Challenges and Opportunities for Africa and Nigeria in the Present Global Geopolitical and Geostrategic Context. She said Africa continues to attract a small share of global clean energy investment despite its vast renewable energy resources.
Okonjo-Iweala pointed to positive economic developments across Africa. She highlighted growth in manufacturing, digital innovation, renewable energy development and mineral processing.
Furthermore, she cited Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery, a lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State and the expansion of fintech and technology startups as examples of progress. She urged Nigeria and other African countries to position themselves strategically to capture emerging global opportunities.
Okonjo-Iweala said current disruptions in the global economic system create opportunities for Africa to reposition itself as a major driver of global growth, trade and innovation. She urged African countries to engage global markets as investment and production hubs rather than as aid recipients.
She said Africa can emerge stronger if countries improve domestic economic management, deepen regional integration and take advantage of global supply chain diversification.
Okonjo-Iweala also praised Ahmadu Bello University for its contributions to national development and global research. She highlighted the work of alumnus Professor Rashid Sumaila, whose research influenced a WTO agreement on harmful fisheries subsidies.
In addition, she stressed the need for stronger governance, improved infrastructure, lower trade costs, skills development and better investment facilitation to unlock Africa’s economic potential.
The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Adamu Ahmed, said the university was honoured to host Okonjo-Iweala. He said her leadership at the WTO comes at a critical time for the global economy.
The university plans to award Okonjo-Iweala an honorary doctorate during its convocation ceremony. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo chaired the lecture session through his representative, former Head of Service Yayale Ahmed.
Academic leaders, policymakers, students and dignitaries attended the lecture.