BREAKING: FG Urges Patience, Says WTO Yet To Make Final Decision On Okonjo-Iweala

The federal government has said that the former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has yet to be named the new Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

This was contained in a statement on Thursday, by the Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Ferdinand Nwonye.

Recall that Okonjo-Iweala had reportedly secured 104 votes from 164 member countries of the WTO.

However, Nwoye explained that there were other processes required for the WHO DG to announced.

The ministry also noted the position of the United States on the former minister.

But, it urged those concerned to be patient till the final process was concluded.

Meanwhile, the federal government assured Okonjo-Iweala that it would continue to back her aspirations.

The full press statement reads:

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that the third and final round of the selection process of the Director-General of the Workd Trade Organization (WTO) was concluded on Tuesday, 27th October, 2020 and the result was formally announced on Wednesday, 28th October, 2020.

“The candidate from Nigeria, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has secured the support of majority of the member countries but is yet to be declared and returned the winner.

“This is because apart from winning the election, all 164 Member States of WTO were expected to adopt the winner by consensus, in accordance with the rule of procedure of the WTO.

“It is important to highlight that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has secured cross-regional backing with only the United States opposing the consensus.

“The Ministry wishes to further inform that a meeting of the General Council of the WTO has been scheduled for 9th November, 2020 for the final decision on the election process.

“Nigeria will continue to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that the lofty aspiration of her candidate to lead the WorldTrade Organization is realised.”