During the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria secured its historic Paris Club debt relief thanks in large part to a well-executed public communication strategy, according to World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Speaking on Thursday at the public presentation of “The Pain and the Promise,” a new book by communications expert and public affairs analyst, Paul Nwabuikwu, Okonjo-Iweala said the success of the country’s economic reform programme depended not only on sound policies but also on convincing Nigerians to embrace difficult but necessary reforms.
“I had been brought in from the World Bank to help straighten up and strengthen Nigeria’s weak finances, including getting rid of the $30 billion of the country’s debt owed to the Paris Club,” she said.
“To do this work, I knew Nigeria would have to undertake serious economic reforms of the type that would demand understanding and sacrifices from Nigerians.”
“One important component in my mind then was that we would need a crack communications person or team to help us reach Nigerians, to explain all of this in simple language. That is where Paul came in.”
“I can say without fear of contradiction that we wouldn’t have had as much success with the reform programme if we had not had a masterful steering of communications from Paul.”
“Reform is not just about writing new laws and enforcing new policies. It’s about persuading people, explaining trade-offs and building enough trust that governments can keep pushing through obstacles.”
“Until Nigerians can overcome the ethnic, religious and regional divides embedded in our society to forge a social compact that agrees key directions for the nation… Nigeria will find it difficult to move forward at the pace required to create enduring prosperity for our people.”
Okonjo-Iweala also urged Nigerians to prioritise competence over ethnic or regional considerations, insisting that talent exists across every part of the country.
“I believe in talent from every corner of Nigeria. There’s no place in Nigeria that doesn’t have talented people. I don’t care what part of the country you come from.
“I just wanted you to do your job and do it professionally.”
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership and unwavering dedication were instrumental in Nigeria’s remarkable achievement of debt relief. Her strategic vision, resilience, and diplomatic skill not only transformed Nigeria’s financial landscape but also set a powerful example for developing countries worldwide. Her legacy as a trailblazer in economic reform and global diplomacy continues to inspire many, reaffirming her position as one of the most influential and respected leaders of our time.
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