Nigerian Legislators Endorse Okonjo-Iweala For DG WTO

The House of Representatives has endorsed a former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for the position of Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.

The House endorsed Okonjo-Iweala at the plenary following the unanimous adoption of a motion moved by the Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu.

Elumelu in his motion insisted that Africa would only risks losing out of the position if candidates from the continent could not before the election reach an agreement to declare support for one candidate.

The House therefore urged candidates from Egypt and Kenya to give way for former Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala for the position.

Adopting the motion, the lawmakers resolved that “the House unanimously endorses the candidature of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the position of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation for the period of 2021-2025.”

The House also commended ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Governments for their strong endorsement, while urging President Muhammadu Buhari, to further rally other African leaders to support her bid as the DG of WTO.