The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has confirmed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria as the only candidate for the position of director-general.
The WTO confirming this announced that Okonjo-Iweala, a former Minister of Finance in Nigeria agreed to extend her leadership for a second term.
“Nominations for Director-General closed; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala confirmed as sole candidate,” the WTO stated on Saturday.
According to Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council, WTO members were informed on November 9 that no additional nominations had been submitted by the deadline of November 8.
Okonjo-Iweala had previously confirmed her interest in a second four-year term in a letter on September 16. The formal selection process for the role began on October 8, allowing members to submit nominations until November 8.
The WTO noted that Ølberg would soon announce the next steps in the process, stating, “The process was led by the General Council Chair in accordance with the WTO’s ‘Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General.’”
Okonjo-Iweala’s current term concludes on August 31, 2025. She first assumed the role on February 15, 2021, becoming both the first woman and African to lead the WTO. At her appointment, she prioritised advancing stalled trade discussions, particularly on fishery subsidies, and reviving the WTO’s Appellate Body.
As a two-time Nigerian finance minister (2003-2006, 2011-2015) and briefly Nigeria’s first female foreign minister in 2006, Okonjo-Iweala is a highly regarded figure in her country.
She has also deflected criticisms over her lack of specific experience in trade or negotiation.
