RismadarVoice Reporters
September 12, 2026
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the multilateral trading system, stressing the importance of global cooperation to economic development.
Vice President Kashim Shettima stated this on Saturday during a meeting with WTO Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on the sidelines of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India.
Shettima said Nigeria would continue to support the WTO’s efforts to strengthen multilateralism, arguing that no country could achieve sustainable progress in isolation.
He also described migration as an important contributor to development, innovation and economic growth, noting that immigrants have historically played significant roles in building cities and economies around the world.
The Vice President cited the Nigerian diaspora as an example, commending Nigerians abroad for their achievements in education, business and professional careers.
According to Shettima, analysis of 2024 US Census Bureau data by thePew Research Centre showed that 67 per cent of Nigerian-born Black immigrants aged 25 and above in the United States had at least a bachelor’s degree.
He also praised Okonjo-Iweala for her leadership of the WTO and urged her to continue using her experience to advance global development.
Okonjo-Iweala, who became the first woman and first African to lead the WTO, began her second four-year term as Director-General in September 2025.
Shettima is expected to address BRICS leaders on Sunday, where he will highlight Nigeria’s investment opportunities and partnership prospects.
He is also expected to present the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, infrastructure expansion and private-sector-led growth agenda as part of efforts to attract investment and promote sustainable development.
