WTO Reappoints Nigeria’s Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General

Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been reappointed as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

In a statement issued by the WTO on Friday, November 29, the organization announced that Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment, which was unopposed as no other nominations were received before the deadline, will take effect on September 1, 2025.

According to the statement, the reappointment process initiated on October 8, 2024, was overseen by the Chairperson of the General Council, Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway.

Ngozi’s reappointment for a second four-year term reflects her exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the future of the WTO.

The statement added, “With no additional nominations submitted by the November 8 deadline, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stood as the sole candidate. The process was conducted in a fully open and transparent manner, adhering to the WTO’s ‘Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General’ (WT/L/509).”

“During a special General Council meeting on November 28-29, 2024, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala outlined her forward-looking vision for the WTO. Following her presentation and a Q&A session with members, the Council formally endorsed her reappointment by consensus.”

The General Council commends Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her outstanding leadership during her first term.

Despite the global economic challenges, she strengthened the WTO’s ability to support its members and set a forward-looking agenda for the organization.

“Her leadership was instrumental in securing meaningful outcomes at pivotal moments, including the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences (MC12 and MC13), where major milestones were achieved.”

In her reaction, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala thanked the WTO General Council and its 166 Members for their trust and support while pledging to continue collaboration with officials of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable and rules-based multilateral trading system.