Okonjo-Iweala: List Of Nigerians Holding Top Positions in Global Institutions

Okonjo-Iweala: List Of Nigerians Holding Top Positions in Global Institutions

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 7 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international events

FCT, Abuja - Some prominent Nigerians are doing very well in their chosen careers and have been recognised with key positions in international organisations.

Three former ministers during the Goodluck Jonathan administration - Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Akinwumi Adesina, and Amina Mohammed are some of the popular Nigerian personalities holding top positions in global institutions.

Nigerians holding top positions in global institutions
Three former ministers - Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Akinwumi Adesina, and Amina Mohammed made the list. Photo credit: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Akinwumi Adesina
Source: Facebook

Nigerians holding top positions in global institutions

As reported by Vanguard, below are some Nigerians holding top positions in global institutions.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the first woman and African to emerge as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in March 2021.

The prominent Nigerian economist was reappointed to a second term on November 29, 2024.

The Delta state indigene from Ogwashi-Ukwu was born on 13 June 1954.

Akinwumi Adesina

The African Development Bank (AfDB) president was born on February 6, 1960, in Ibadan, Oyo state.

Read also

Brazil firm investment of $4.3bn: Tinubu told what to do

Adesina was emerged as AfDB President in 2015 and re-elected for a second five-year term in 2020.

He was former Agriculture and Rural Development in 2010 during the administration of Goodluck Jonathan.

Amina Mohammed

The United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General was born in Liverpool, England, on 27 June 1961.

Mohammed attained the position in 2017 and also chairs the United Nations Sustainable Development Group.

The former Nigerian minister of environment coordinates the operations of several UN agencies to achieve international development goals.

The Nigerian-British, born to a Hausa–Fulani Nigerian veterinarian-officer and a British nurse, is the 5th Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Wale Edun

Wale Edun is the Chairman of the African Governors’ Forum of the World Bank.

Edun is the first Nigerian to occupy the position in 2023 in 60 years.

The minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy is also the chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).

Read also

Former Nigerian minister Osita Chidoka dumps PDP, shares next step

He was recently named chairman of the World Bank’s African Governors’ Forum.

Benedict Oramah

Benedict Oramah has been the president of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) since 2015.

Oramah emerged as Afreximbank president on September 21, 2015.

He was previously the Executive Vice President in charge of Business Development and Corporate Banking from October 2008.

Oramah was born on 24 July 1961 in Rivers State.

Mustafa Balarabe Shehu

Mustafa Balarabe Shehu is the president of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO).

Shehu is the first Nigerian engineer and Black African to hold the position.

He was born on April 12, 1963, in Kano, Nigeria.

WTO reappoints Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for a second term

Legit.ng earlier reported that the WTO reappointed Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second term, beginning September 1, 2025, citing her exceptional leadership.

Her reappointment process was transparent and uncontested, with no additional nominations submitted by the November 8 deadline.

Read also

Presidential aide reacts to claims Tinubu’s ally Chagoury is the one deciding for Nigeria in France

As the first woman and African DG, Okonjo-Iweala has been praised for achieving key milestones at MC12 and MC13 amid global economic challenges.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Adekunle Dada avatar

Adekunle Dada (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Adekunle Dada is a trained journalist with over 7 years of working experience. He is also a Politics/Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He holds a B.Sc. in Mass Communication From Lagos State University, Ojo. Adekunle previously worked at PM News, The Sun, and Within Nigeria where he expressed his journalistic skills with well-researched articles and features. In 2024, Adekunle obtained a certificate in advanced digital reporting from the Google News Initiative. He can be reached via adekunle.dada@corp.legit.ng.