The director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been awarded the 2025 Cressey Award by  the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) for her lifetime contribution to detection and deterrence of fraud.

“The ACFE is honored to recognise Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the recipient of the 2025 Cressey Award, a prestigious honor recognising lifetime achievement in the detection and deterrence of fraud,” the organisation said in a statement on its website. 

Established in 1989, the Cressey Award is named after Dr Donald Cressey, one of the United States’ foremost fraud experts and a co-founder of the ACFE and it is presented yearly to individuals who have dedicated their careers to combating fraud and promoting integrity.

ACFE added, “Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s legacy is one of bold reform, global leadership and a relentless pursuit of integrity.

“An economist and international development expert with more than 40 years of experience, she previously served twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, where she oversaw reforms to fight corruption and was instrumental in the Paris Club’s $30 billion debt write-off for Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, Ms Okonjo-Iweala will officially be presented the honour at the 36th Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference scheduled to take place in Nashville, United States from June 22 to 27, 2025.