World Trade Organization is a global organization with the goal of ensuring the smooth flow of trade between nations. They are responsible for setting the ‘dos and don’ts’ of trade between nations.
The Director-general of WTO, Brazil’s Roberto Azevedo announced his desire to retire on 31st August 2020, which is a year earlier than his due date. Due to his announcement, the search for his successor is of ultimate priority, as candidates are nominated from Egypt, South Korea, Mexico, Moldova, Kenya and Britain by their Nation’s government Nominations close July 8.
Nigeria Nominated Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as her best hand to represent the Nation at WTO. She is a developmental economist and financial specialist with over 20 years experience in world bank. The political heavy hitter as described by a U. S news site is the first female minister of finance in Nigeria. She has held salient positions in Nigeria and all to success. If appointed as the Director-General of WTO she will also make the history of becoming the first female Director-general of WTO and also the first African since the inception of WTO in 1995.
During an online interview on FB, she declared the reason behind her interest in WTO director-general position. She said “I’m interested in [the WTO] position because I believe in the power of trade to lead to shared prosperity, to lift people’s lives,” Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also have the goodwill of Africans at heart.
“Going there, I will be working for all members, But, of course, I’m African and I’ll be interested to make sure that Africa also benefits from whatever the WTO has to give. There is absolutely no reason why I cannot make sure that Africa also benefits.”
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has given Okonjo-Iweala their full support.
