Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s former finance minister, has been reappointed as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation for a second term.
This was disclosed by the WTO in an X post on Friday
“WTO members today agreed to give incumbent Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala a second term as Director-General of the WTO,” the organisation announced.
In a statement issued on Friday by the organisation, Okonjo-Iweala expressed gratitude to the WTO’s 166 member nations for their continued trust and support.
“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 said.
Reflecting on her first term, the former Nigerian finance minister underscored the WTO’s crucial role in addressing global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and geopolitical tensions.
She remarked, “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. I commend Members for their hard work and determination in achieving progress despite unprecedented levels of uncertainty and rapid economic shifts.”
Okonjo-Iweala pledged to continue championing trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience while reinforcing the multilateral trading system.
The 70-year-old Nigerian economist, the only candidate for the role, needed the support or agreement of all 166 WTO members, including the United States, to secure the position.
