The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has revealed that it will ratify the appointment of Nigeria’s former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, next week.
The global body made this known in a statement posted on its website on Tuesday.
‘The WTO’s General Council will hold a special meeting on 15 February at 15:00 Geneva time to consider the appointment of the next Director-General. The meeting will take place in virtual form,’ the brief statement read.
Read Also: WTO: Buhari Thanks US For Okonjo-Iweala’s Endorsement
The development comes after South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee, who was Okonjo-Iweala’s main opponent, withdrew from the race.
After Myung-hee stepped down on Friday, the US endorsed Okonjo-Iweala, paving way for the Nigerian who will make history as the first African to lead the WTO.
In a tweet on Friday, Okonjo-Iweala commended her opponent for the ‘hard-fought race‘.
‘Grateful for the expression of support from the US today for DG @WTO. Congratulations to Madam Yoo of Rep. Korea for a hard-fought campaign. Thank You President Muhammadu Buhari @MBuhari & all Nigerians for your unflinching support. Thank you, friends. Love to my family. Glory to God,’ she tweeted.
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed appreciation to Joe Biden, his US counterpart, for supporting the Nigerian to get the plum job.
In a statement on Saturday by his spokesperson, Gara Shehu, Buhari said the withdrawal of the country’s initial objection was remarkable.
Buhari said Nigeria looks forward to working very closely with the Biden administration on all issues of common interests.
He listed accelerated economic growth, the fight against terrorism, and deepening progress on development issues.
‘We certainly welcome the decision of the new U.S administration to remove the last obstacle in the path of Dr. Okonjo-Iweala to becoming the first female and the first person of African descent to lead the organization,’ said the President.
‘Nigeria and the entire African continent are happy about this new U.S position, which signifies a shift and an important turnaround in the relations between our continent and the United States under the Biden administration.’
‘Today, we see that the United States stands with Nigeria and Africa with the acceptance of our widely respected citizen, Okonjo-Iweala to lead the WTO.’
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
