WTO accepts Nigeria's nomination of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

The World Trade Organization, WTO, has accepted Nigeria's nomination of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the role of Director-General.

Her nomination was accepted amid protest from Egypt which submitted Mr. Abdel-Hamid Mamdouh as its own nomination.

Okonjo-Iweala's nomination was approved by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), who withdrew the candidacy of Yonov Frederick Agah.

Confirming the acceptance, WTO issued a statement which reads: “Nigeria nominates Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for post of WTO Director-General.

“Nigeria, on 9 June 2020, nominated Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the post of WTO Director-General to succeed the current Director-General, Mr. Roberto Azevêdo, who has announced he will step down on 31 August 2020.

“According to the timetable announced by the Chair of the General Council, David Walker, the nomination period will close on 8 July 2020.

“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.”

Election for a four year term from 2021 to 2025 will be held next year in Geneva, Switzerland.