WTO DG: US REJECTS NIGERIA’S OKONJO-IWEALA

Oru Leonard

The United States of America (USA), is said to be the only country that had refused to support the aspiration of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to lead the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Ferdinand Nwonye disclosed in a press release made available to the media.  He noted that the third and final round of the selection process of the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) was concluded on Tuesday, 27th October, 2020 and the result was formally announced on Wednesday, 28th October, 2020.

Mr Nwaonye explained that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has secured the support of the majority of the member countries, but is yet to be declared and returned the winner, reasons being that 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.

Dr Okonjo-Iweala has secured cross-regional backing with only the United States opposing the consensus’, he said

The MoFA Spokesperson revealed 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.

“Nigeria will continue to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that the lofty aspiration of her candidate to lead the World Trade Organization is realised”, he noted