Goodwill Message from Prof. Uche Uwaleke FCMA, President, Capital Market Academics of Nigeria
Goodwill Message Delivered By Prof. Uche Uwaleke FCMA, President Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, at the Maiden International Conference & Exhibition of the Prof. Ngozi Egbuna International Center for Regional Integration and Trade Research (ICRITR)
Theme: “30 Years of Nigeria in WTO: Opportunities, Challenges, and Prospects”
Date: August 13, 2025 | Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
The Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
Distinguished Keynote Speaker and DG WTO, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala,
Director of the Center and Nigeria WTO Chair, Prof. Ngozi Egbuna,
Esteemed Scholars, Industry Experts, Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. It is with great honor that I join you today as a Special Guest at this landmark international conference, commemorating Nigeria’s 30-year journey in the World Trade Organization (WTO). I commend the visionary leadership of Prof. Ngozi Egbuna and the ICRITR team for organizing this timely discourse, which promises to shape Nigeria’s trade policy trajectory in the years ahead.
2. Three decades of WTO membership present a unique opportunity for reflection. Nigeria has witnessed both milestones and challenges—from trade liberalization efforts to navigating complex global supply chains. While we have made strides in areas like agricultural exports and services trade, persistent issues such as non-tariff barriers, infrastructure deficits, and value chain integration demand urgent attention.
3. The theme of this conference could not be more apt. As we assess Nigeria’s WTO experience, we must also look ahead—leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), digital trade, and sustainable industrialization to reposition Nigeria as a global trade powerhouse. The WTO’s evolving dynamics, under the astute leadership of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, offer renewed hope for inclusive and equitable trade policies. Her presence here as the keynote speaker, further underscores the importance of this gathering and the role Nigeria can continue to play in shaping fair and inclusive global trade.
4. I congratulate the Professor Eunice Ngozi Egbuna International Centre for Regional Integration and Trade Research for hosting this maiden international conference and exhibition, and for choosing such a timely and relevant theme. I also commend Prof. Egbuna, Nigeria’s WTO Chair, for her dedication to advancing research, capacity building, and informed policy dialogue in this vital area.
5. To the researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders here today: Let this conference ignite actionable strategies that align Nigeria’s trade agenda with economic diversification goals. I urge stronger collaboration between academia, government, and the private sector to transform challenges into opportunities.
6. In this regard, and on behalf of Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, I assure you of our unwavering support in advancing trade research and regional integration.
7. Thank you, and may this conference yield transformative outcomes for Nigeria and Africa at large.
Prof Uche Uwaleke FCMA
President, Capital Market Academics of Nigeria
August 13, 2025
