President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former coordinating minister for the economy and minister of finance, on her unanimous reappointment yesterday as the director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
The renowned development economist and global finance expert made history in 2021 as the first African and first woman to lead the 164-nation-member WTO.
Her first term as the seventh director-general of the WTO will expire on August 31, 2025, while the second term begins September 1.
Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, noted with delight that Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s unanimous re-appointment demonstrated the trust and confidence the international community placed in her leadership to advance multilateral trade for sustainable global development.
President Tinubu is confident that her continued leadership would strengthen the organisation’s role as a critical pillar of inclusive global economic growth and good governance in the next four years.
“As a committed member of the WTO, ECOWAS, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Nigeria will continue to support the WTO’s mission to foster a fair, inclusive, and equitable multilateral trading system,” he said.
The president assured Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria’s steadfast support as she consolidates her bold reforms, dedication to equitable global trade practices, and tireless efforts to promote international cooperation.
Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, also congratulated, Dr Okonjo-Iweala, describing the development as a testament to her competence and experience.
Oborevwori in a statement by his chief press secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba yesterday expressed appreciation to relevant stakeholders of the WTO for rewarding Okonjo-Iweala with a second term.
The General Council of the WTO agreed by consensus to reappoint Dr. Okonjo-Iweala as director-general for a second four-year term.
The reappointment process, initiated on October 8, 2024, was overseen by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, chairman of the General Council. With no additional nominations submitted by the November 8 deadline, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stood as the sole candidate. The process was conducted in a fully open and transparent manner, adhering to the WTO’s “Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General”.
At a special general council meeting on November 28 to 29, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala outlined her forward-looking vision for the WTO. Following her presentation and a question and answer session with members, the council formally endorsed her reappointment by consensus.
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