Another historic stride for Nigerian Ngozi Okonjo Iweala as she gets nominated to lead the World Trade Organization WTO as DG.
Ngozi’s Okonjo has been proposed by ambassadors of WTO to take over as the DG of world trade organization. Sources has told Reuters on Wednesday, clearing a path for her to become the first woman and African to head the global watchdog in its 25-year history is history in itself
The decision, yet to be announced even after more than four-month selection process involving intensive lobbying which saw her square up against South Korean trade minister Yoo Myung-hee in the final round.
The recommendation of former minister Okonjo-Iweala was made by three WTO ambassadors, the so-called “troika”, after consulting with members in a series of closed-door meetings in Geneva as part of an intricate and secretive process that some have compared to a papal succession.
The troika, led by New Zealand’s Ambassador David Walker, is due to make the formal recommendation to a closed-door meeting of heads of delegations at 3 p.m. (1400 GMT).
Her nomination still needs to be approved by consensus at a meeting of the WTO’s 164 members.
Although; America and China who are the two biggest economy are yet to declare their support for the Nigerian and yet to name their preference publicly while, some African, Caribbean and other states have voiced support for Okonjo-Iweala.
The European Union endorsed Okonjo-Iweala on Oct. 26. However, three sources following the contest said that Washington had privately indicated a preference for Yoo, but it is still unknown whether it would block Ngozi from the becoming WTO’s DG.
The leadership void was created after outgoing WTO chief Roberto Azevedo, from Brazil, stepped down a year early in August. The WTO is currently being steered by four deputies.
The 66-year-old former finance minister and World Bank managing director, Okonjo-Iweala will face considerable challenges with rival economies bickering amid rising tensions and protectionism during a coronavirus-induced trade plunge.
Her inbox will also feature an overhaul of the WTO’s top appeals body – which U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has brought to its knees by blocking judge appointments – and a major trade conference in 2021.
Okonjo Iweala becoming a World Trade Organization Director is indeed a great attainment portfolio for Nigeria. Let’s hope she gets the job.
