FRAUD FIGHTER EXTRAORDINAIRE: OKONJO-IWEALA BAGS GLOBAL LIFETIME AWARD, SLAMS CORRUPTION FROM NASHVILLE TO WTO
Amy Adindu
Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been awarded the 2025 Cressey Award for Lifetime Achievement in Fighting Fraud and Corruption by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The honour was bestowed during the ACFE’s Annual Global Fraud Conference held in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
The Cressey Award, named after renowned criminologist Dr. Donald Cressey, is ACFE’s highest individual honour, celebrating a lifetime of exceptional contributions to the prevention, detection, and deterrence of fraud. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was recognised for her decades of fearless and reform-focused work in both national and international arenas.
In her keynote address titled “Fighting Fraud and Corruption: The Role of Trade Rules and the WTO,” Dr. Okonjo-Iweala drew from her vast experience as Nigeria’s former Finance Minister and her current leadership role at the WTO. She spoke about the critical intersection between trade governance and anti-corruption efforts, emphasising the need for transparent global systems and inclusive reforms.
“This is an incredible honour,” she said in a social media post. “I thank @theACFE for recognising the strength and courage it takes to do this work.”
The event was attended by top executives of ACFE, including President John D. Gill and CEO John Warren, as well as members of the Nigerian Chapters of the Association. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala also extended her appreciation to Andi McNeal and Leslie Simpson for their work in organising the event.
A Legacy of Integrity
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has consistently championed transparency and institutional reform. As Nigeria’s Finance Minister, she spearheaded initiatives like the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) and the introduction of the Oil Price-Based Fiscal Rule, helping Nigeria save billions of dollars and gain global respect.
Now at the helm of the WTO, she continues to advocate for fair trade, accountability, and inclusive economic growth, reminding the global community that good governance is not just local, it’s global.
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