Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Monday, assumed office as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Disclosing this on its verified Twitter handle, the global trade organization said Okonjo-Iweala is the first woman and African to take up the job.
“Welcome to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; @NOIweala on her first day as WTO Director-General! She makes history as the first woman and first African to take up this post,” the WTO tweeted.
The WTO had confirmed her appointment at a special meeting of the General Council following a selection process that included eight candidates from across the world.
Her confirmation was delayed as administration of former US President Donald Trump was opposed to her candidacy despite overwhelming support from the key ambassadors of the WTO last October.
But her fortune changed after the defeat of Trump as President Joe Biden subsequently endorsed her candidacy, further enhanced by withdrawal of the South Korean trade minister from the race.
Speaking recently on her appointment, Okonjo-Iweala promised to initiate necessary reforms to reposition the organisation to meet the expectation of member countries.