Vice-President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and multilateral cooperation, saying no country can achieve sustainable prosperity by isolating itself from the rest of the world.
Shettima made the declaration on Saturday during a bilateral meeting with the Director-General of the WTO, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on the sidelines of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India.
The Vice-President said trade, investment and coordinated policy responses remain critical to addressing pressing global challenges, including inflation, food insecurity and disruptions to international supply chains.
According to him, Nigeria will continue to strengthen its partnership with the WTO and other international partners to promote fair trade, reduce trade barriers and support developing economies.
Shettima also assured that Nigeria remains open to partnerships capable of expanding market access for Nigerian goods and services, attracting investments and creating employment opportunities, particularly for the country’s growing youth population.
In her remarks, WTO Director-General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, commended Nigeria for its active participation in WTO reforms and its efforts to champion the interests of African countries within the multilateral trading system.
Okonjo-Iweala also briefed the Vice-President on ongoing WTO initiatives aimed at improving trade facilitation, advancing digital trade and addressing climate-related trade policies.
The meeting formed part of Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic engagements at the BRICS Leaders’ Summit, where participating leaders discussed issues surrounding global economic governance, international trade and development cooperation.
The discussions underscored Nigeria’s continued efforts to strengthen its position in the global trading system while pursuing greater economic opportunities for its businesses, workers and young people.
