Okonjo-Iweala gets Organised private sector’s endorsement for WTO job

The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) has endorsed Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s nomination for election as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The endorsement was revealed in a statement signed by the Director-General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Amb. Ayoola Olukanni, on behalf of the group on Friday.

Last month, Nigeria nominated Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the post of WTO DG to succeed the current DG, Mr Roberto Azevêdo, who is expected to step down by August ending.

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Amb. Ayoola Olukanni said that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala had proved herself both locally and internally as an expert on trade, economics and governance.

“Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is a world-acclaimed economist, adept in the workings of international financial and development systems as an Innovative Manager with a good grasp of the world economy and most importantly, trade, as a tool of development,” he said.

He said her experience in financial systems and global trade has made her an expert consultant to governments across the globe.

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He added that Dr Okonjo-Iweala is very qualified and suited for the role as new Heat of WTO, especially during a global economic downturn caused by the pandemic

“Dr Okonjo-Iweala sits on the Boards of many International Organisations.

“Her performance on the Boards of these organisations show her as being effective and forthright with the required diplomatic skills and a mastery of the intricacies and politics of international trade.

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“At this period when the international community is pondering which direction to go, on international trade, the WTO needs an internationalist, a world-class diplomat with an understanding of the world trade system,” he said.

He urged that she would bring the Office to a new phase through her experiences and negotiating skills over the years which would be a benefit to the global economy, as countries recover to pre-COVID-19 levels.

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He cited her work experiences as a Finance and Foreign Affairs Minister, Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank and her special envoy roles for sub-Saharan Africa for International Financial support and WHO COVID-19 support.

“We vouch for her preparedness to take up the challenges of a balanced, inclusive and effective WTO, good for the developed and developing world,” he said.

He concluded that the Nigerian private sector stakeholders recommend Dr. Okonjo-Iweala as new Head of the WTO to the other members and urges for their support during the election.