The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has reappointed Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its Director-General for a second term.
This was announced by the WTO in a post on X on Friday.
The General Council of the WTO stated that the reappointment will take effect on September 1, 2025.
The Council said it agreed by consensus to reappoint Okonjo-Iweala as DG for a second four-year term, stressing that the decision reflects broad recognition of her exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the future of the WTO.
It further explained that the reappointment process, initiated on October 8, 2024, was overseen by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council.
“With no additional nominations submitted by the November 8 deadline, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stood as the sole candidate. The process was conducted in a fully open and transparent manner, adhering to the WTO’s ‘Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General’ (WT/L/509).
“During a special General Council meeting on November 28-29, 2024, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala outlined her forward-looking vision for the WTO. Following her presentation and a Q&A session with members, the Council formally endorsed her reappointment by consensus.”
“The General Council commends Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her outstanding leadership during her first term. Amid significant global economic challenges, she strengthened the WTO’s ability to support its members and set a forward-looking agenda for the organization. Her leadership was instrumental in securing meaningful outcomes at pivotal moments, including the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences (MC12 and MC13), where major milestones were achieved.”
Okonjo-Iweala first assumed office as Director-General on March 1, 2021, becoming the first woman and first African to lead the WTO.
Her first term concludes on August 31, 2025.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Okonjo-Iweala on her reappointment as the director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu said Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment shows the international community’s trust in her leadership to promote multilateral trade for sustainable global development.
Tinubu said his administration will continue to support the WTO’s mission to foster a fair, inclusive, and equitable multilateral trading system as a committed member of the WTO, ECOWAS, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“President Tinubu is confident that her continued leadership will strengthen the international economic organisation’s role as a critical pillar of inclusive global economic growth and good governance in the next four years,” the statement reads.
“President Tinubu assures Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria’s steadfast support as she consolidates her bold reforms, dedication to equitable global trade practices, and tireless efforts to promote international cooperation.”
Okonjo-Iweala took office as WTO director-general in March 2021. She is the first African and first woman to head the organisation.
