By John Ikani
Nigeria’s Former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is set to secure a second term as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), solidifying her position as the first woman to ever lead the global trade body.
The WTO confirmed that she remains the only candidate for the top post, making her reappointment likely.
In a statement released on Saturday, the WTO noted that Okonjo-Iweala had formally expressed her readiness to serve another four-year term back on September 16. She began her current term on March 1, 2021, after breaking new ground as the first African and first female Director-General of the organization.
The process for selecting the next leader kicked off on October 8, with a deadline for nominations set for November 8. According to Petter Ølberg, the Chairman of the WTO’s General Council, no new nominations were received by the cut-off date, leaving Okonjo-Iweala as the sole contender.
Ølberg further announced that a special session of the WTO’s General Council will take place on November 28 and 29. The first day will allow members to listen to Okonjo-Iweala’s presentation of her vision for the organization, followed by an interactive Q&A session.
A final decision on the appointment is expected on the second day of the meeting. With no other candidates in the running, it is anticipated that Okonjo-Iweala will be confirmed for a second term unopposed by the end of November.
