Dr.Ngozi Okonjo Iweala is set to clinch a second term as the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
The Nigerian former Finance Minister has emerged as the sole candidate for the top job after the deadline for applications and nominations for the job ended on November 8, 2024.
According to an official statement from the WTO, the one month period of nomination, October 8 to November 8 had elapsed with only Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, the incumbent DG completing the nomination process for the plum job.
The WTO statement signed by its Chairman of General Council, Petter Olberg, the Nigerian is the sole candidate to take the job.
The statement reads:
“Under the procedures for the appointment of Directors-General (WT/L/509), I am required to communicate to members a consolidated list of candidatures received for the post of Director-General immediately after the close of the nomination period, in this case, 8 November 2024.
“I would like to advise members that at the end of the nomination period the only candidacy received for this post is from Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the incumbent director-general.
“The notification received from Dr Okonjo-Iweala pursuant to paragraph 12 of the Procedures in WT/L/509, was circulated to all members together with my communication in document JOB/GC/406, dated 16 September 2024.”
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala made history when she emerged the first female and first African to lead the WTO in March 2021. Again itwill become another historic moment if she successfully emerges for the second time as the DG of the organisation.