Ahead of its upcoming election, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has accepted the nomination of a former World Bank MD, Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala by Nigeria to vie for the position of Director-General at the Geneva-based Organization.
“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,” the organization said on its website.
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,” the Organisation added.
The acceptance of her nomination is coming days after Egypt had rejected Nigeria’s bid, criticising Nigeria’s replacement of Ambassador Yonov Frederick Agah by Okonjo-Iweala. Agah had earlier been nominated by the Nigerian government for the top job.
The New Diplomat earlier reported that Nigeria, Egypt, Republic of Benin, Kenya and international heavyweight–United Kingdom have all nominated candidates with picture-perfect credentials and antecedents for the WTO DG election.
