Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala named WTO boss
Monday February 15 2021
Nigerian economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is also a US citizen, emerged as the front-runner for the post of WTO director-general last year. PHOTO | FILE | AFP
Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been named the new director-general of the World Trade OrganiNigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala set to be first woman named WTO bosszation (WTO).
She made history on Monday as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO.
Dr Okonjo-Iweala was named during a special virtual meeting of the WTO General Council on Monday.
The post of the top executive has been vacant since August 31 last year, when the former head of the organisation, Roberto Azevedo, left it before the end of his term.
Dr Okonjo-Iweala, a Nigerian economist, who is also a US citizen and who emerged as the front-runner for the post last year received a boost after South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee ended her campaign.
The withdrawal of Ms Myung-hee from the race left Dr Okonjo-Iweala as the only candidate in the running for the position.