Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is now set to serve her second term as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The global organization has confirmed that Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance will run unopposed for a second term as Director-General, as her current term will elapse on August 31, 2025.
58 of the WTO’s 164 member states backed the African Group’s proposal to support Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment on July 22, 2024.
They called for an early start to the Director-General selection process and asked the incumbent, Okonjo-Iweala, to make herself available to serve a second term.
Meanwhile, a statement by WTO on Saturday said Okonjo-Iweala confirmed her willingness to serve a second four-year term on September 16.
On October 8, 2024, the WTO formally commenced the process of appointing its next Director-General. Members were given until November 8, 2024, to submit nominations.
After the deadline passed, the WTO General Council Chair, Mr Petter Olberg confirmed that no other nominations had been received, making Okonjo-Iweala the sole candidate for the role.
But in a separate message seen on the WTO’s website, the global body said Ambassador Olberg, based on his contacts with delegations over the past days, will convene a special formal meeting of the General Council on 28 and 29 November.
“The first day of the General Council meeting would allow members to hear a presentation from DG Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her vision for the WTO, followed by a question-and-answer session, the Chair said. The second day could then provide an opportunity for members to take a decision on the appointment of the next Director-General,” the WTO said.
However, by implication, Okonjo-Iweala could be re-elected by November 29 if there is a unanimous agreement.