Lifetime Achievement Award Recognizes Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s Decades-Long Battle Against Global Fraud and Corruption

 

Renowned Nigerian economist and Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has added yet another prestigious accolade to her already impressive career portfolio. At the Annual Convention of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) held in Nashville, Tennessee, she was honored with the globally respected Cressey Award for Lifetime Achievement in Fighting Fraud and Corruption. The award, a benchmark of international recognition in the anti-fraud community, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the prevention and detection of fraud and corruption on a global scale.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala took center stage at the event as the keynote speaker, addressing a high-level gathering of professionals dedicated to financial integrity and public accountability. Her keynote speech centered around the vital topic of “Fighting Fraud and Corruption, including the Role of Trade Rules and the WTO.” Drawing from her vast experience in both national governance and global trade, she presented a nuanced perspective on how structured international trade regulations can serve as tools for transparency, ethical conduct, and systemic accountability.

The ACFE's decision to confer its highest individual honor on Dr. Okonjo-Iweala highlights her long-standing commitment to promoting good governance, both within Nigeria and across the world. Known for her formidable stance against corruption during her tenure as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, she was instrumental in launching reforms that increased budget transparency, established an efficient debt management office, and improved fiscal discipline within public service systems. Those efforts were not without resistance, and in many cases, came at significant personal and political cost. Her recognition by the ACFE is not only a celebration of her professional accomplishments but also a tribute to her resilience and ethical leadership.

President of the ACFE, John D. Gill, and CEO John Warren, joined her at the event to present the award. Their presence, along with the participation of members from the Nigerian Chapters of the ACFE, underscored the international and domestic support for Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s efforts. The ceremony also benefited from the organizational leadership of Andi McNeal and Leslie Simpson, whose work ensured a smooth and impactful convention.

Throughout her speech, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the intersection between global trade systems and institutional integrity. She stressed that trade rules, when properly structured and enforced, create an environment where ethical business practices can flourish. She also called upon member states and international institutions to strengthen their regulatory frameworks, encouraging a more unified global response to issues of financial misconduct and corrupt practices.

Her remarks further highlighted the role of the WTO in fostering transparency and equitable trading systems. While trade and corruption are often discussed in separate contexts, she pointed out that illicit financial flows, trade-based money laundering, and abuse of customs processes are areas where the lines blur. Tackling these challenges requires not just technical expertise but also bold leadership and political will.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s achievements span across continents and institutions. As an economist at the World Bank, she rose through the ranks to become Managing Director, where she focused on Africa, South Asia, Europe, and Central Asia. She has held multiple influential roles in development financing, public sector reform, and international diplomacy. However, it is her fearless approach to corruption and fraud that has earned her lasting respect and admiration across sectors.

This latest recognition follows a career defined by excellence and courage. The Cressey Award is particularly significant given its namesake, Dr. Donald R. Cressey, who was a pioneer in criminology and fraud detection. Named in his honor, the award has a rich legacy of recognizing individuals who embody integrity and action in the face of systemic financial malpractice.

Receiving the award, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala expressed heartfelt gratitude to the ACFE and its members. She described the honor as a validation of the strength and courage it takes to challenge entrenched systems of corruption, and dedicated the award to all those committed to the ongoing fight for transparency and justice worldwide.

The event served as more than just a recognition ceremony. It was a reminder of how deeply interconnected financial integrity, trade governance, and development outcomes are. For many attendees, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s presence and message reignited the urgency of their mission.

As global challenges evolve and corruption continues to adapt in the digital and geopolitical landscape, leaders like Dr. Okonjo-Iweala remind the world that persistence, principle, and policy can come together to create meaningful change.

Very honoured to receive the prestigious Cressey Award for Lifetime Achievement in Fighting Fraud and Corruption from the global Association of Certified Fraud Examiners at their Annual Convention in Nashville, Tennessee where I delivered the keynote address on Fighting Fraud and… pic.twitter.com/mpi2uLTkib

— Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (@NOIweala) June 23, 2025