The Nigeria Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Mariam Katagum disclosed to journalists on Friday that the federal government is currently reaching out to all members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), including the United States of America and South Korea to overcome the current quagmire in reaching a consensus in the selection of a candidate for the position of the director-general of the organization.
She said efforts are also ongoing to persuade the United States to join the consensus in adopting the recommendation of the appointment of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as DG-WTO. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala who recently obtained her United States citizenship is being tipped by other WTO member nations as the next Director-General for the organization.
Katagum, who is the Chairperson of the Campaign Strategy Team for Nigeria’s candidate for the post of Director-General, WTO, spoke during a virtual emergency meeting she convened to review and strategize on the way forward in the light of recent developments in the selection process for the appointment of Director-General.
The minister pointed out that the third and final round of consultations for the selection of the DG-WTO which commenced in Geneva on October 19, 2020 was concluded on October 27.
According to her, “The Chair of the WTO General Council, Amb. David Walker of New Zealand, with the Facilitators of the selection process, the Chair of the Dispute Settlement Body and the Chair of the Trade Policy Review Body (Troika), on October 28 at the meeting of WTO Heads of Delegation in Geneva, informed the WTO Membership that the Nigerian candidate for DG-WTO, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala secured overwhelming support of members both in terms of numbers as well as geographical spread and therefore emerged as the candidate most likely to gain consensus as DG-WTO. ”
“The appointment of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is expected to be adopted by consensus of all Members in line with WTO decision making procedure at a Special General Council Meeting scheduled for November 9, 2020.
“However, the United States of America has registered reservation on the outcome of the final round because their preference is still the candidate of South Korea and further informed that they would not join the consensus in selecting Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala as DG-WTO at the Special General Council of November 9, 2020. “
Katagum however, conveyed Nigeria’s profound appreciation to all Members of the WTO that have supported Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the post of WTO Director-General adding that the federal government of Nigeria would reach out to other countries to secure the consensus needed in the final decision on her appointment as the next Director- General of the WTO.”
“We shall keep you updated on this issue and hope that, we would achieve the desired goal of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala securing an appointment as the first African and the first female to Head the WTO,” she added.
