The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been honoured with the prestigious 2025 Cressey Award by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), in recognition of her lifetime commitment to combating fraud and corruption across the globe.
The award was presented to Dr. Okonjo-Iweala on Tuesday at the ACFE’s Global Fraud Conference held in Nashville, United States, a gathering of leading anti-corruption experts, investigators, policymakers, and global financial leaders.
A seasoned economist and global development expert, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was recognized for her unwavering efforts over several decades in strengthening transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline both in Nigeria and on the global stage. Her trailblazing leadership in Nigeria, where she served twice as Minister of Finance under Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, was noted as instrumental in establishing reforms that enhanced public financial management and exposed high-level financial misconduct.
Delivering the keynote address at the conference, Okonjo-Iweala spoke on “Fighting Fraud and Corruption: The Role of Trade Rules and the WTO.” She highlighted the critical role global trade governance can play in promoting transparency, strengthening institutional frameworks, and deterring corrupt practices that distort international commerce and harm developing economies.
“This recognition is not just for me but for all those who have fought — and continue to fight — to uphold integrity in public and global financial systems,” she said. “Combating fraud requires collaboration, strong institutions, and the right incentives embedded in global trade rules.”
The Cressey Award is one of the most distinguished honours conferred by the ACFE and is named after Dr. Donald R. Cressey, a pioneer in the field of criminology and fraud examination. It is reserved for individuals whose contributions to fraud deterrence and detection are regarded as groundbreaking and exemplary.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s selection underscores her stature as a global icon of financial integrity and her current role at the WTO, where she continues to champion fair trade practices, inclusive growth, and accountability in global commerce.
Her award has drawn commendation from global leaders, international institutions, and civil society groups who described it as a well-deserved tribute to a lifelong advocate of good governance.
