At the opening ceremony of the 2024 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Lagos, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, strongly criticized Nigerian politicians for leveraging the country’s insecurity to serve their political agendas. In her keynote speech, titled “A Social Contract For Nigeria’s Future,” she emphasized the detrimental impact of such actions on the nation’s stability and growth.
Okonjo-Iweala, who previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, highlighted the interconnected nature of security and development, stating, “We cannot achieve socio-economic development without ensuring security. Conversely, security cannot be attained without development.” She pointed out that many political actors have deliberately intensified insecurity to tarnish the reputation of their opponents, often at the expense of the lives and property of innocent citizens. “This malicious strategy of weaponizing insecurity for political gains must come to an end,” she insisted.
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Further discussing Nigeria’s challenges, Okonjo-Iweala addressed the issue of crude oil theft, which has significantly weakened the nation’s economy. She urged for immediate action against this crime, noting the availability of advanced technology to track and prosecute those involved in the theft. “There are ample technological tools to monitor and prevent crude oil theft. The lack of action on this front is unacceptable,” she declared.
Okonjo-Iweala’s remarks resonate with the growing concerns about Nigeria’s worsening security situation and the economic implications of unchecked corruption and theft of national resources. Her call for accountability and proactive measures is a timely reminder of the urgent need for reforms to secure Nigeria’s future.
