The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the world’s largest anti-fraud organisation in the United States, has recognised Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the recipient of the 2025 Cressey Award, a prestigious honour celebrating lifetime achievement in the detection and deterrence of fraud.
The award is named after Dr. Donald Cressey, one of the United States’ foremost fraud experts and a co-founder of the ACFE. Established in 1989, the Cressey Award represents the highest honour bestowed by the ACFE, celebrating individuals who dedicate their careers to combating fraud and promoting integrity, a statement from the organisation stated.
Okonjo-Iweala is the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) — the first woman and first African to hold the role. 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.
