President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Hon. Sanusi Garba Rikiji as the Director-General of the Nigerian Off...
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Hon. Sanusi Garba Rikiji as the Director-General of the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN), a key federal agency responsible for leading and coordinating Nigeria’s participation in global, regional, and bilateral trade negotiations.
The appointment is widely seen as a strategic move to reposition Nigeria’s trade agenda in alignment with evolving global economic dynamics and the administration’s renewed emphasis on economic diversification, investment promotion, and fair trade. Hon. Rikiji is expected to bring to the role a wealth of experience in governance, policy formulation, and intergovernmental coordination.
A seasoned public administrator and politician, Rikiji previously served as a member of the House of Representatives and as Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, where he was recognized for his leadership, policy acumen, and commitment to institutional development.
In 2019, he was appointed Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. In that capacity, Rikiji played a key role in managing inter-parliamentary relations, coordinating legislative initiatives, and facilitating strategic national engagements—earning broad respect across party lines and among stakeholders in both the executive and legislative arms of government.
In 2022, he resigned from his federal appointment to contest for elective office, demonstrating his continued commitment to democratic participation and grassroots representation. He later emerged as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency, reaffirming his popularity and credibility among constituents.
Renowned for his humility, discretion, and administrative competence, Rikiji has consistently demonstrated a capacity for public service beyond formal titles. He has also contributed in advisory, reconciliatory, and ceremonial roles at both national and traditional levels—reflecting a deep understanding of statecraft and nation-building.
As Director-General of the NOTN, Rikiji is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s trade posture under the frameworks of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the World Trade Organization (WTO). His leadership comes at a critical time when Nigeria must harness trade opportunities to boost non-oil exports, attract foreign direct investment, and enhance the competitiveness of local industries.
Stakeholders across government and the private sector have welcomed the appointment, describing it as well-deserved and timely. With Hon. Sanusi Garba Rikiji at the helm of the NOTN, many believe Nigeria is better positioned to secure more favorable trade outcomes and assert its leadership on regional and global economic platforms.
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