WTO accepts Okonjo-Iweala as Nigeria’s nominee

...nomination for WTO job closes July 8

The World Trade Organisation on Tuesday acknowledged the nomination of Nigeria’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala gunning for the post of Director-General.

It was reported that President Muhammadu Buhari had nominated the former finance minister, for the post of WTO’s Director-General, when the current Director-General, Mr. Roberto Azevêdo, announced to step down on August 31, 2020.

“According to the timetable announced by the Chair of the General Council, David Walker, the nomination period will close on 8 July 2020,” a statement on the WTO website said.

Also, read AfDB: On Adesina, Africa is reminded of its weakness

“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.”

There are other nominees vying for apex post, including Mr. Jesús Seade Kuri of Mexico and Mr. Abdel-Hamid Mamdouh of Egypt.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is a world-renowned economist and international development expert.

She presently sits on the Boards of Standard Chartered Bank, Twitter, Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, and the African Risk Capacity.