By Ola Kay
The General Council of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, has indicated its decision to reappoint Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second term spanning another four years.
Following the consensus, the former Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Finance will remain at the helm of affairs for a second term in office as the DG of WTO with effect from September 1, 2025.
This was contained in a statement shared on the website of WTO, stating that, “The reappointment process, initiated on 8 October 2024, was overseen by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council. With no additional nominations submitted by the 8 November deadline, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stood as the sole candidate. The process was conducted in a fully open and transparent manner, adhering to the WTO’s ‘Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General’ (WT/L/509)
“During a special General Council meeting on 28-29 November 2024, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala outlined her forward-looking vision for the WTO. Following her presentation and a Q&A session with members, the Council formally endorsed her reappointment by consensus.”
In the statement, Ambassador Ølberg praised aDr. Okonjo Iweala’s achievements: “The General Council commends Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her outstanding leadership during her first term. Amid significant global economic challenges, she strengthened the WTO’s ability to support its members and set a forward-looking agenda for the organization. Her leadership was instrumental in securing meaningful outcomes at pivotal moments, including the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences (MC12 and MC13), where major milestones were achieved.”
Ølberg Added that, “As we look ahead, the Council fully supports Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s commitment to ensuring that the WTO remains responsive, inclusive, and results-driven. Her leadership will be critical as the organization continues to advance a resilient, rules-based, and equitable global trading system.”
The former Minister of Finance during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo started out as the DG of WTO on 1 March 2021. She became the first woman of African descent to occupy the position.
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