Ngozi Okonjo reappointed WTO DG… here’s what to know
Nigerians pour in congratulations as Ngozi Okonjo Iweala is unanimously reappointed as the Director General of World Trade Organization (WTO).
The consensus was announced on World Trade Organization channel on Friday the 29th of November, 2024 after Dr. Okonjo Iweala’s presentation and Q/A session with members. The Council said that the process which started on October 8, 2024 was conducted in a fully open and transparent manner.
In their statement, “The process was conducted in a fully open and transparent manner, adhering to the WTO’s ‘Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General.”
The Council lauded the remarkable achievements of Ngozi Okonjo Iweala and substantiates that “Amid significant global economic challenges, she strengthened the WTO’s ability to support its members and set a forward-looking agenda for the organization.”
The process which was overseen by the Chairperson of the General Council, Ambassador Petter Ølberg from Norway culminated in the reinstatement of the incumbent DG Okonjo Iweala which will take effect on September 1st 2025 after her first tenure ends on August 31st.
Recall that Ngozi Okonjo Iweala is a renowned Economist and global Finance Expert who has served as Nigerian Minister of Finance.
She made history in March 2021 as the first African and first Female to lead the World Trade Organization as their DG.
Today, she has once again broken record as the First African Female to be reappointed the second time unopposed. The WTO made this known through their statement that ” no additional nomination was submitted by the November 8 deadline, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala therefore stood as the sole candidate”
Receiving her flowers, Dr. Okonjo Iweala has expressed her gratitude to the council of 166 representatives that has vouched her capable of taking the organization higher.
She said,“I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members. It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term.” She also promised to work together with the members in achieving progress and take the organization higher despite the flauctuating economic shifts.
Reacting to the news , the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent his congratulatory message through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onuanuga , and described the feat as “global trust earned.”
The President specially remarked that he is confident, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala’s continued leadership will strengthen the international economic organisation’s role as a critical pillar of inclusive global economic growth and good governance in the next four years. He further notes that the unanimous appointment for a second four-year term demonstrates the trust and confidence the international community places in her leadership to advance multilateral trade for sustainable global development.
The Delta State Governor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori also congratulated the DG on behalf of his family, the government and the Delta State people noting her as an “illustrious Deltan”. This was made known in the statement released by his press secretary Festus Ahon.
The minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim in her statement on Saturday congratulated Dr Okonjo Iweala “On behalf of all Nigerian women, I am extending my heartfelt congratulations to our own Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her reappointment as DG of WTO. “
The minister further stated that “She is a huge inspiration not only to Nigerian women but to women around the world. We are proud of her achievements and the pride and honour she has brought to our dear country, Nigeria”
These heartfelt messages are besides the numerous congratulatory messages from well meaning Nigerians both in the country and in diaspora.
