National News
Okonjo-Iweala seeks second term as WTO DG

The World Trade Organisation Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala will seek a second term.
In an interview with Reuters on Monday, the Nigerian born economist said she will seek second term of four years as head of the trade organisation.
Okonjo-Iweala, who served as Nigeria’s finance minister, took office in March 2021 as the first female and African head of the 30-year-old trade body. Her current term expires on 31 August 2025.
She said, “I would like to be part of this chapter of the WTO story, and I stand ready to compete for the position,” Okonjo-Iweala said, citing a letter she plans to send to the trade body’s main decision-making body.
“For my second term, I intend to focus on delivering,” she added, mentioning that among her priorities are addressing “unfinished business.”
These priorities include finalising a deal on ending fisheries subsidies, achieving a breakthrough in global agriculture negotiations, reforming the WTO’s struggling dispute system, and decarbonising trade.
Officially, she has until the end of November to decide whether to apply again.
However, the African-led initiative to start early, which began in July before U.S. President Joe Biden withdrew from the election campaign, was seen as a move to secure her second term ahead of the U.S. vote in November.
Under WTO consensus rules, this would be possible if no other candidates come forward and all member states support her.
In 2020, the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump blocked her appointment, a move seen by some as an attack on an organisation he had previously described as “horrible.”
She secured U.S. backing when Joe Biden succeeded Trump in 2021.
Asked whether both she and the WTO could be successful if Trump were re-elected, she said: “I don’t focus on that because I have no control.”
-
Entertainment2 days ago
Drama as 2face mother cries out, begs Natasha to “free my son”
-
Entertainment2 days ago
Tuface risks 5-year jail term if… – Governor aide reveals
-
National News2 days ago
NLC announces nationwide strike over telecom tariff hike
-
Entertainment2 days ago
Amidst controversy Nedu quits Honest Bunch podcast
-
Sports2 days ago
Man dies while playing football in Minna
-
Crime and Law1 day ago
Breaking: UNIZIK expels student after assaulting lecturer
-
National News1 day ago
Breaking: Afenifere leader, Chief Adebanjo, dies at 96
-
National News1 day ago
Adebanjo’s death an immense loss to Nigeria, says Buhari