The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has certified Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s candidacy for the position of Director-General of World Trade Organisation.
The endorsement was contained in a statement that was signed by the President of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou, on behalf of the Heads of State and Government.
Okonjo-Iweala had been recommended for the job by the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.
The regional bloc’s leaders “acknowledged the strong academic and professional background of Dr Okonjo-Iweala and her very large experience in national affairs as Nigeria’s Finance Minister (2003-2006 and 2011-2015) and Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister briefly in 2006”.
They said they were endorsing Okonjo-Iweala’s candidature due to her academic qualifications and possession of over 30 years of experience as a Development Economist.
Also, the leaders called on other African and non-African States to assist the former minister.
Nominations for the job will close on July 8 after which candidates will be called to meet with members of WTO Council at a special General Council meeting.
The victorious candidate will take over from the current Director-General, Mr Roberto Azevêdo, who has hinted that he would step down on August 31, 2020.
