58 countries endorse Okonjo-Iweala for 2nd term as WTO DG

A coalition of 58 out of the 164 member states of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has come together to endorse the African Group’s proposal advocating for the reappointment of the current Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for a second term.

This pivotal backing was officially presented during a WTO General Council meeting held on July 22, as highlighted in a recent statement from the organisation.

The statement reads, “The African Group requests that the current Director-General make herself available to serve a second term, and has proposed that the process for reappointing the Director-General should commence as soon as possible.”

During the meeting, representatives from the 58 member countries passionately voiced their support for the African Group’s proposal, commending the Director-General for her dedication and significant achievements throughout her first term.

READ ALSO: Finally, Okonjo-Iweala becomes first woman to head WTO

They also called on Okonjo-Iweala to make her intentions regarding a second term known as soon as possible.

The 70-year-old Nigerian Okonjo-Iweala said she was very grateful for the support from members.

“Everything that I’ve accomplished, we’ve accomplished together,” she said.

She added that she took the call of members very seriously and was favourably inclined, but however, said she would get back to members very soon regarding her intentions.

Okonjo-Iweala who is the seventh WTO boss assumed office on March 1, 2021 for a single term of four years which will expire on August 31, 2025.

She is however eligible for a second term.

The former Nigerian Minister of Finance navigated stiff opposition to become the first woman and the first African to serve as the Director-General of the WTO.

Before her current appointment, she twice served as Nigeria’s Finance minister from 2003 to 2006 and from 2011 to 2015.

She also briefly acted as Foreign Minister in 2006 as the first woman to hold both positions.

The skilled negotiator had a 25-year career at the World Bank as a development economist where she rose to the number two position as Managing Director of Operations.

Proofreading and editing by Fa’izatu Aliyu Doma, Journalist at Neptune Prime. 

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