Nigeria’s Role in Codifying Governance and Improving Transparency
A discussion with:
H.E. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Moderated by:
Lesley Wroughton
Senior State Department Correspondent
Thomson Reuters
Introduction by:
J. Peter Pham
Director, Africa Center
Atlantic Council
Nigeria continues to diversify its economy—tapping into vast agriculture, real estate, and natural resource potential—through reforms focused on providing inclusive and sustainable growth for the country. Despite a population of more than 170 million people and the largest economy in Africa, the nation faces, aside from well-known security difficulties, growth and reform challenges: job creation and lowering the high unemployment rate; combating poverty and rising income inequality; and creating a friendly investment environment. Okonjo-Iweala will share her experience of how government reform—particularly in the land and housing sectors—has led to increased investment, sustained prosperity, and strengthened institutions in Nigeria.
Okonjo-Iweala was appointed to her current post by Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011—her second such appointment as finance minister. Prior to this, she served as managing director for the World Bank from 2007 to 2011. Okonjo-Iweala served briefly as foreign minister in 2006, and she served her first term as finance minister from 2003 to 2006.
TIME: Registration: 12:15 pm.
Reception: 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Program: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Atlantic Council
1030 15th St. NW, 12th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
This event is on-the-record and open for press coverage; members of the media should contact press@AtlanticCouncil.org to register.