A former Nigerian minister of finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has emerged as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
A statement released by the WTO on Monday, announced the confirmation of Okonjo-Iweala as the first female and African to become the organisation’s Director-General.
Her recent endorsement by the United States of America and the withdrawal of the South Korean Trade Minister and candidate, Yoo Myung-hee, sealed the deal for Okonjo-Iweala.
The Geneva-based organisation confirmed the appointment of Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance on Monday, saying her tenure starts on March 1, 2021.
“Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria is appointed as the next WTO Director-General. Dr Okonjo-Iweala makes history as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO,” WTO announced on Twitter.
“Her term starts on the 1st of March 2021. WTO members took the decision to appoint @NOIweala at a special meeting of the General Council, following a selection process that included eight candidates from around the world.”
