By Abiola Olawale
A two-time Nigerian Finance Minister, a former managing director of the World Bank and a prominent figure on the global financial system , Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has once again made headlines as she has been given the nod to serve as Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for a second term.
Following her impressive tenure, she has been officially reappointed as the Director General of the WTO, for another term, marking a significant milestone in her career. There were no candidates or no one else was interested in the job of the DG of the WTO at this time, clearing the way for Okonjo-Iweala.
It would be recalled that the former Nigerian minister made history by becoming the first woman and, indeed, the first African to head the WTO in 2021.
She was first elected as the WTO DG on February 15, 2021. Her present stint will end on 31 August 2025.
With her first tenure closing in, no individual challenged her candidacy as she was the only candidate in the race and had been all but assured a second term.
In a statement issued on Friday, the organisation’s 166 members announced: “today agreed to give incumbent Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala a second term as director-general.”
The 70-year-old Nigerian’s reappointment was approved by consensus during a special meeting of the organisation’s General Council, held behind closed doors, the WTO said.
Reflecting on her reappointment, Okonjo-Iweala conveyed a deep sense of gratitude, stating she was “honoured” by the opportunity to continue her leadership at the World Trade Organization.
She emphasized that this extension of her role was not just a formality but a significant “privilege” that she truly values.
Her words resonated with appreciation for the trust placed in her by the WTO’s General Council and its 166 member nations, highlighting her commitment to the organization’s mission.
She stated: “I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members. It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term,” she said in a statement on the organisation’s website.
“As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter—results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world. By promoting trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience, the WTO will continue to provide a collaborative platform for Members to address shared global challenges,” the former Nigerian finance minister said.
“I am deeply committed to working alongside the talented and dedicated staff of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all.”
The New Diplomat reports that Okonjo-Iweala twice served as Nigeria’s finance minister (2003-2006 and 2011-2015) and she is also first female foreign minister in a two-month stint in 2006.
