Breaking: Nigeria’s Okonjo-Iweala reappointed WTO Director-General

The General Council of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has reappointed Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for a second term as its Director-General.

Okonjo-Iweala’s new four-year tenure is set to commence on September 1, 2025.

In a statement issued on Friday, she thanked the WTO’s 166-member nations for their continued trust and support.

She continued, “The WTO General Council and its 166 members’ support and trust make me very proud. It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term”.

As she looks back on her first term, the former Nigerian minister of finance emphasized the vital role the WTO played in tackling pressing global issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and geopolitical tensions.

She said: “In recent years, the WTO has played a vital role in helping members navigate pressing global challenges, including the pandemic, conflict, and heightened geopolitical tensions.

Despite unprecedented levels of uncertainty and rapid economic change, I commend Members for their hard work and determination in making progress.

I’m steadfastly committed to delivering results that matter, which will ultimately improve the lives of people all over the world.

The WTO will continue to provide members with a collaborative platform to address shared global challenges by promoting trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience.

“I am deeply committed to collaborating with the WTO’s skilled and dedicated staff to create a more justifiable, equitable, and rule-based multilateral trading system that benefits everyone,” said I.

Persecondnews recalls that Okonjo-Iweala was first appointed as the DG of the WTO on February 15, 2021, and assumed office on March 1, 2021, becoming the organization’s seventh Director-General.

On October 8, 2024, Amb. began the reappointment process. Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council.

Since no other nominations were submitted by the November 8 deadline, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala remained the sole candidate.

The entire process was conducted openly and transparently, following the WTO’s established procedures for appointing Directors-General.

During a two-day special General Council meeting on November 28-29, 2024, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala presented her innovative vision for the future of the WTO.

After a question-and-answer session with members, the Council unanimously endorsed her reappointment as Director-General by consensus.

Amb. Ølberg, who praised her achievements, said: “The General Council commends Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her outstanding leadership during her first term.

” Amid significant global economic challenges, she strengthened the WTO’s ability to support its members and set a forward-looking agenda for the organization.

Her leadership helped to secure meaningful outcomes at significant points, including the 13th and 12th Ministerial Conferences (MC12 and MC13), where important accomplishments were made.

” As we look ahead, the Council fully supports Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s commitment to ensuring that the WTO remains responsive, inclusive, and results-driven.

Source: Per Second News