WTO: I’m positive despite hiccups — Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Former Nigerian Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, says
she remains positive of becoming the first African and first female
director-general of the World Trade Organisation despite United
States opposition to her candidacy.

The ex-World Bank director said she felt humbled to have been
declared the candidate with the largest votes amongst the 164
member states of the 25-year-old global trade organisation.

Okonjo-Iweala made this known in a tweet on Thursday.

She wrote, “Happy for the success & continued progress of our
@wto DG bid. Very humbled to be declared the candidate with the
largest, broadest support among members & most likely to attract
consensus.

“We move on to the next step on Nov 9, despite hiccups. We’re
keeping the positivity going!”

Many Nigerians had expressed delight when key WTO ambassadors
led by New Zealand’s Ambassador David Walker proposed Okonjo-Iweala
as the best candidate for the job. But the US delegation opposed
the move, saying it supported South Korean Trade Minister Yoo
Myung-hee instead.

Some Nigerians likened the US opposition to that encountered by
African Development Bank chief, Akinwumi Adesina, who also faced
intense hostility from Washington before his re-election.

The breakthrough of Adesina, has, however, been a source of hope
for many who want Okonjo-Iweala to clinch the top job.

The troika has concluded the third round of consultations and
its decision marks an important step paving the way for
Okonjo-Iweala to become next DG of the organisation.

But the WTO’s 164 member states still need to determine whether
they will support her before their next General Council meeting on
November 9.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government said it will continue to
engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that the lofty aspiration of
her candidate to lead the WTO is realised.

Former Nigerian Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, says
she remains positive of becoming the first African and first female
director-general of the World Trade Organisation despite United
States opposition to her candidacy.

The ex-World Bank director said she felt humbled to have been
declared the candidate with the largest votes amongst the 164
member states of the 25-year-old global trade organisation.

Okonjo-Iweala made this known in a tweet on Thursday.

She wrote, “Happy for the success & continued progress of our
@wto DG bid. Very humbled to be declared the candidate with the
largest, broadest support among members & most likely to attract
consensus.

“We move on to the next step on Nov 9, despite hiccups. We’re
keeping the positivity going!”

Many Nigerians had expressed delight when key WTO ambassadors
led by New Zealand’s Ambassador David Walker proposed Okonjo-Iweala
as the best candidate for the job. But the US delegation opposed
the move, saying it supported South Korean Trade Minister Yoo
Myung-hee instead.

Some Nigerians likened the US opposition to that encountered by
African Development Bank chief, Akinwumi Adesina, who also faced
intense hostility from Washington before his re-election.

The breakthrough of Adesina, has, however, been a source of hope
for many who want Okonjo-Iweala to clinch the top job.

The troika has concluded the third round of consultations and
its decision marks an important step paving the way for
Okonjo-Iweala to become next DG of the organisation.

But the WTO’s 164 member states still need to determine whether
they will support her before their next General Council meeting on
November 9.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government said it will continue to
engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that the lofty aspiration of
her candidate to lead the WTO is realised.