The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has reappointed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its Director-General for a second term.
Okonjo-Iweala, 70, had announced her intention to seek a second term in September.
Chair of the General Council, Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, also informed WTO members that no other nominations were received before the 8 November deadline.
WTO confirmed Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment via X on Friday in a terse post.
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According to the global trade institution, the reappointment will take effect on September 1, 2025.
“Breaking: the General Council has appointed Director-General @NOIweala for a second term, effective 1 September 2025. More details to follow,” the post read.
The appointment of the Director-General is made by consensus among the WTO’s 166 member countries, a process the Nigerian successfully navigated despite initial hurdles.
The reappointment process, initiated on 8 October 2024, was overseen by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council. With no additional nominations submitted by the 8 November 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 28-29 November 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.
Ambassador Ølberg praised her achievements, stating “The General Council commends Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her outstanding leadership during her first term.
Amid significant 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.”
He continued “As we look ahead, the Council fully supports Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s commitment to ensuring that the WTO remains responsive, inclusive, and results-driven. Her leadership will be critical as the organization continues to advance a resilient, rules-based, and equitable global trading system.”
On 28 November, the Director-General made a statement to the General Council outlining her thoughts and vision for the WTO for the next four years.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala first assumed office as Director-General on 1 March 2021, becoming the first woman and first African to lead the WTO. Her first term concludes on 31 August 2025.
Her reappointment highlights the strong support for her efforts to enhance the WTO’s relevance and capacity in addressing the evolving challenges of global trade.
I am deeply honoured- Ngozi Iweala
Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has reacted to her reappointment by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for a second term as the Director-General.
Okonjo-Iweala said she’s deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members.
This was contained in her statement addressed to the WTO General Council on Friday, following her reappointment.
She also pledged her commitment to work alongside the staff of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable and rules-based multilateral trading system.
“I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members. It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term.
“In recent years, the WTO has played a vital role in helping Members navigate pressing global challenges, including the pandemic, conflict, and heightened geopolitical tensions.
“As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter—results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world.
“I am deeply committed to working alongside the talented and dedicated staff of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all.”
Obi congratulates Okonjo-Iweala
Meanwhile, former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has expressed his delight at the reappointment of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation for a second term.
In a statement on Friday via X, Obi described Okonjo-Iweala as a symbol of excellence and an inspiration to Nigerians and the global community.
He commended her for her significant contributions to Nigeria’s development and her impressive record on the international stage.
“I am sincerely delighted at the reappointment of my very dear elder sister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation for a second term.
“Her admirable character, impressive resume, and litany of achievements in public office stand her out as a competent leader for such a noble organisation,” Obi said.
Obi hailed Okonjo-Iweala as one of Nigeria’s “most valuable human capital exports to the world” and praised her as a “symbol of hard work and excellence.”
He added, “Her rise to greatness through productive contribution to societal development stands as a lesson to us in Nigeria; first, as leaders, who must understand that leadership is a responsibility to care for the people; and then as a people, who must understand that our leadership recruitment process must be based on character, competence, capability, and integrity.”
Obi wished her success in her second tenure, stating, “As she is set to continue to pilot the affairs of this global organisation for another 4-year tenure, I wish her more health, strength, and wisdom to continue to stand for what is right.”
Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment marks her continued leadership in international trade and her ongoing contributions to global development.
