NIGERIA’S Okonjo-Iweala has been re-appointed to lead the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for another four years.
A statement issued on Friday, November 29, by the WTO said the organisation’s general council agreed by consensus to reappoint her as director-general for a second four-year term, set to begin on 1 September 2025.
“This decision reflects broad recognition of her exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the future of the WTO. 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),” part of the statement reads.
The ICIR reports that the Nigerian is the first woman and first African to lead the institution.
Okonjo-Iweala will lead the organisation for the second term, when the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, leads his country for the second term.
Trump is widely believed to have disregard for international trade laws.
Okonjo-Iweala, a globally-renown economy and finance expert, worked under two Nigerian presidents – Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan – as ministers in addition to her 25-year career at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., among other prestigious institutions worldwide where she left indelible footprints.
The WTO said in its statement on Friday that “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.”
She was lauded 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.”
Okonjo-Iweala first assumed office as director-general on 1 March 2021. Her first term concludes on 31 August 2025.
Her reappointment highlights the strong support for her efforts to enhance the WTO’s relevance and capacity in addressing the evolving challenges of global trade, the WTO noted.
Marcus bears the light, and he beams it everywhere. He's a good governance and decent society advocate. He's The ICIR Reporter of the Year 2022 and has been the organisation's News Editor since September 2023. Contact him via email @ mfatunmole@icirnigeria.org