Okonjo-Iweala Resumes Office As WTO Boss Today

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s Former Minister of Finance, takes over as the World Trade Organization (WTO) today.

News Rain Nigeria recalls that she is the first woman and first African to take charge of the global body.

The 66-year-old takes the helm after the WTO was left adrift for seven months, following the sudden exit of Roberto Azevedo last August, a year ahead of schedule.

Okonjo-Iweala Resumes Office As WTO Boss Today

Following a long selection process, Okonjo-Iweala, who spent 25 years at the World Bank, was finally anointed by the WTO’s 164 members on February 15.

From an initial eight candidates, she was the clear favorite among the last two standing in November.

However, her appointment was delayed by former US President Donald Trump blocking her nomination. The arrival of his successor Joe Biden made it possible for her to receive the consensus backing required to end the impasse.