WTO Welcomes Okonjo-Iweala’s Nomination As Director-General

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has approved the nomination of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the position of its Director-General, ignoring Egypt’s protest.

President Muhammadu Buhari had endorsed the nomination of the former Nigeria Minister for Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the position of director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Brandnewsday learned that the Egyptian government had nominated Abdel-Hamid Mamdouh for the WTO’s Director-General position ahead of Nigeria. However, the North African country showed contempt in the nomination of Okonjo-Iweala on the ground of her late nomination entry.

Egypt reportedly protested against the nomination, as it told the African Union not to acknowledge Okonjo-Iweala’s nomination. Thus as members of the AU had been directed to nominate candidates for the director-general position since November 30, 2019.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: WTO Director-General Nomination

Reacting to the development, the WTO in a statement made available on June 9, 2020  recognized the nomination of Okonkwo-Iwela’s nomination, stating that nominations are still open till July 8, 2020.

According to the statement, “Nigeria nominates Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the post of WTO Director-General.”

The statement further reads: “Nigeria, on 9 June 2020, nominated Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the post of WTO Director-General to succeed the current Director-General, Mr Roberto Azevêdo, who has announced he will step down on 31 August 2020.

“According to the timetable announced by the Chairman of the General Council, David Walker, the nomination period will close on 8 July 2020.

“Shortly after the nomination period has closed, candidates will be invited to meet with members at a special General Council meeting, present their views and take questions from the membership.”