Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has credited communications strategist and THISDAY Editorial Board member, Paul Nwabuikwu, with playing a pivotal role in communicating Nigeria’s landmark economic reform programme.

The WTO chief described Nwabuikwu as one of the strongest members of the reform team who helped translate complex policies into messages the public could understand.

Speaking at the public presentation of Nwabuikwu’s new book, ‘The Pain and the Promise: Insights and Fragments on Nigeria and People, Public and Personal (1990–2026)’, in Abuja, Okonjo-Iweala reflected on their years together at the Federal Ministry of Finance, where she served as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy.
She described the author as “one of the best parts of our economic team,” saying his ability to communicate difficult policy choices was instrumental to the success of Nigeria’s reform agenda.

According to the WTO chief, Nwabuikwu understood that successful economic reforms required not only sound policy design but also effective public communication, noting that the reform programme benefited immensely from his strategic communications leadership.

Okonjo-Iweala said the book mirrors the qualities he brought to government—critical analysis without cynicism, intellectual depth combined with accessibility, and a writing style capable of explaining complex national issues with clarity and humour.

Describing the 300-page volume as “a great achievement,” she said it brings together decades of public commentary, personal reflections and historical observations into a compelling account of Nigeria’s political and economic evolution.

She added that through engaging prose, Nwabuikwu chronicles the country’s journey from military rule to democratic governance, economic reforms, anti-corruption efforts and technological transformation, while offering younger Nigerians an accessible guide to understanding the country’s complexities.

Former Minister of Aviation and Chairman of the Athena Centre, Osita Chidoka, also praised the author, describing him as one of his favourite columnists whose writings consistently combine analytical depth, humanity and an exceptional command of language.

Reviewing the book, Vice Chancellor of Baze University, Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, described The Pain and the Promise as far more than a compilation of newspaper articles, calling it “an archive of conscience” and “an alternative history of modern Nigeria.”

According to Adeniyi, the essays capture the nation’s struggles, aspirations and contradictions over more than three decades, demonstrating how journalism grounded in scholarship and literary craftsmanship can transcend the daily news cycle to become an enduring historical record.