Nigerian Ngozi Okonjo Iweala appointed as the new WTO DG

Nigerian Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been appointed as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.

The former Minister of Finance under President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure has been vying for this position for a long time and after fighting hard has emerged victoriously as the new WTO DG.

Her tenure will start from March 1, 2021.

This announcement was made in a tweet by the World Trade Organization on Monday, saying,

“Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria is appointed as the next WTO Director-General. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala makes history as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO. Her term starts on the 1st of March 2021.

“WTO members took the decision to appoint @NOIweala at a special meeting of the General Council, following a selection process that included eight candidates from around the world #WTODG.”

The former Minister had, a few days ago, received the backing of the administration of US President Joe Biden for the role.

The US Trade Representative in a statement cited her “wealth of knowledge in economics and international diplomacy” and said she had “proven experience managing a large international organization.”

Recall that Okonjo-Iweala was challenged by South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee, it was a tough battle as they were the last people standing, few weeks ago, the South Korean Minister withdrew from the battle creating a way for Okonjo to become the first female Director General of WTO

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emerges Director General, World Trade Organization