We’ll ensure Okonjo-Iweala emerges WTO DG – FG

The Federal Government has vowed to push for the former Nigeria’s finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to become the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation despite opposition by the United States.

Bloomberg HAD reported on Wednesday that the American Government said it would not back Okonjo-Iweala’s candidature.

• US opposes appointment of Okonjo-Iweala as WTO’s Director General
• EU backs Okonjo-Iweala to head WTO

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Thursday by its spokesperson, Ferdinand Nwonye, said: “Nigeria will continue to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that the lofty aspiration of her candidate to lead the World Trade Organisation is realised.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that the third and final round of the selection process of the Director-General of the World Trade Organization was concluded on Tuesday, 27th October, 2020 and the result was formally announced on Wednesday, 28th October, 2020.

“The candidate from Nigeria, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has secured the support of majority of the member countries but is yet to be declared and returned the winner”.

Nwonye said apart from winning the election, all the 164 Member States of WTO were expected to adopt the winner by consensus, in accordance with the rule of procedure of the WTO.

“It is important to highlight that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has secured cross-regional backing with only the United States opposing the consensus.

“The ministry wishes to further inform that a meeting of the General Council of the WTO has been scheduled for November 9, 2020 for the final decision on the election process,” he said.