Nigeria’s Okonjo-Iweala set to serve second term as WTO DG unopposed

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has confirmed that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala will run unopposed for a second term as its Director-General.

In a statement released on Saturday, the organization disclosed that Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala expressed her willingness to serve a second four-year term on September 16.

Okonjo-Iweala, the incumbent director-general, is the sole candidate for the position, following the closure of nominations on November 8.

The process of appointing the next director-general officially began on October 8.

The WTO’s General Council chair, Mr. Petter Olberg, confirmed that no additional nominations arrived by the November 8 deadline.

Olberg stated that he would provide an update on the next steps in the process soon.

Okonjo-Iweala’s current term as director-general is set to end on August 31, 2025.

Her reappointment would mark a significant milestone, cementing her position as the first woman and African to lead the Switzerland-based organization.

“Under the procedures for the appointment of Directors-General (WT/L/509), I am required to communicate to Members a consolidated list of candidatures received for the post of Director-General immediately after the close of the nomination period, in this case 8 November 2024.

“I would like to advise members that at the end of the nomination period the only candidacy received for this post is from Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the incumbent director-general.

“The notification received from Dr. Okonjo-Iweala pursuant to paragraph 12 of the Procedures in WT/L/509 was circulated to all Members together with my communication in document JOB/GC/406, dated 16 September 2024,” the statement said.

Okonjo-Iweala has had a distinguished career in public service, holding key roles in Nigeria’s finance ministry under Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.

She also served in the foreign ministry and dedicated 25 years to the World Bank, rising to senior leadership positions.

Beyond her work in public finance, Okonjo-Iweala has served on Twitter’s board of directors, chaired the GAVI vaccine alliance, and was a special envoy for the World Health Organization’s global fight against COVID-19.

Her appointment as WTO director-general in 2021 marked a historic milestone, recognizing her expertise and leadership in global trade and economic development.

Okonjo-Iweala’s unopposed re-election is a testament to her achievements and commitment to promoting global trade cooperation.

Her second term is expected to focus on strengthening the WTO’s role in addressing global economic challenges.