Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been appointed as the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), at a special general meeting.
The Nigerian economist and two time Financial Minster is making history as the first Black woman and first woman to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO).
“WTO members have just agreed to appoint Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the next director-general,” the global trade body said in a statement, adding that the former Nigerian finance minister and World Bank veteran will take up her post on March 1.
The Biden-Harris Administration has expressed strong support for the candidacy Okonjo-Iweala
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative had said that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is bringing a wealth of knowledge in economics and international diplomacy from her 25 years with the World Bank and two terms as Nigeria’s Finance Minister.
WTO Chief : Trump’s Anti- Nigeria Sentiments Unveiled As US Blocks Okonjo-Iweala.
“She is widely respected for her effective leadership and has proven experience managing a large international organisation with a diverse membership,” the statement read.
This support followed the decision of the Republic of Korea’s Trade Minister, Yoo Myung-hee to withdraw her candidacy for the post of Director General of the WTO.
Also President Muhammadu Buhari, who had been at the vanguard of the campaign for the emergence of Okonjo-Iweala as the Director General of the WTO, described as welcome development the pronouncement of the Office of the United States Trade Representative, signifying withdrawal of the country’s objection to the emergence of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director General of World Trade Organisation (WTO).
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, last week he said the president said: “We certainly welcome the decision of the new U.S. administration to remove the last obstacle in the path of Dr. Okonjo-Iweala to becoming the first female and the first person of African descent to lead the organisation,” said the President.
“Nigeria and the entire African continent are happy about this new U.S. position, which signifies a shift and an important turnaround in the relations between our continent and the United States under the Biden administration.”
“Today, we see that the United States stands with Nigeria and Africa with the acceptance of our widely respected citizen, Okonjo-Iweala to lead the WTO.’’
According to Buhari, Nigeria looks forward to working closely with Biden led U.S administration with a view to addressing all issues of common interests to both countries.
“We look forward to working very closely with the new U.S. administration on this and all issues of common interests, especially in such areas as accelerated economic growth, fight against terrorism and deepening progress on development issues.’’
Okonjo-Iweala had on Feb. 5 in her Twitter handle expressed gratitude shortly after she was endorsed for the WTO job by the U.S. government.
She further tweeted: “Grateful for the expression of support from the U.S. today for DG @WTO. Congratulations to Madam Yoo of Rep. Korea for a hard fought campaign.
“Thank You President Muhammadu Buhari @MBuhari &all Nigerians for your unflinching support. Thank you friends. Love to my family. Glory to God.”
