President Tinubu Appoints Patience Okala as AfCFTA Coordinator Amid Ministerial Resignations
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Patience Okala as the new national coordinator of Nigeria's African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Coordination Office. The presidency announced this development in a statement on Tuesday, March 31, confirming that the appointment takes effect immediately.
Background and Qualifications of Patience Okala
Patience Okala is a seasoned trade and investment expert with extensive experience in international negotiations and economic policy. Prior to this appointment, she served as a director at the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), where she led Nigeria's engagement on bilateral investment agreements and negotiations across various platforms, including ICSID, UNCITRAL, AfCFTA, UNCTAD, IISD, and the OECD.
Okala previously served as an expert adviser to the AfCFTA secretariat in Accra from 2023 to 2023 and as special adviser to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. She played a crucial role in strengthening the AfCFTA institutional framework in Nigeria, overseeing the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee and supporting Nigeria's emergence as Co-Champion of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade.
In her new role, Okala will oversee the local implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement, drive Nigeria's strategic positioning, and coordinate national stakeholder engagement within continental trade investment.
Ministerial Resignations for Political Ambitions
The appointment comes amid a wave of resignations from President Tinubu's cabinet, with at least two ministers stepping down on Tuesday, March 31, to pursue political ambitions. The ministers who resigned are Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Sa'idu Ahmed Alkali, Minister of Transportation.
Tuggar is reportedly pursuing a governorship ambition in Bauchi state, while Alkali is seeking the governorship seat in Gombe state. These resignations follow President Tinubu's directive that all political appointees seeking elective positions in the 2027 general election must resign by March 31, in compliance with Nigeria's electoral law.
Public Reactions to the Appointment
The appointment of Patience Okala has generated various reactions from Nigerians on social media and other platforms. Many have congratulated Okala on her new role, expressing confidence in her capabilities.
Johanna commented, "Congratulations, Patience! She will serve the nation well. One of the most competent public officials when it comes to the implementation of the AfCFTA."
PWeezy added, "Wish you the best. I hope she's serving our national interest and not the Epstein class. Our leaders need to prioritise our national interest. Thank you for your attention to this matter."
Opeyemi Abebe wrote, "Congratulations, Ms Okala. All the best to you in your new role," while Adegbite Azeez stated, "Wonderful appointment."
Political Context and APGA Endorsement
This development occurs within a broader political context as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general election. In related news, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, with national chairman Sly Ezeokenwa announcing the party's support during a press briefing in Lagos on March 5.
This endorsement follows Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state, who is also the leader of APGA, declaring his support for President Tinubu approximately one year prior. The political landscape continues to evolve as parties and candidates position themselves for the upcoming electoral cycle.
