House of Representatives has endorsed a former minister of finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to emerge the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
The lawmakers took the decision while adopting a motion to back the ex-managing director of the World Bank during Tuesday plenary.
The motion was sponsored by Minority Leader of the House, Ndudi Elumelu (PDP-Delta), and was titled “In Support for Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)”.
Also endorsing Mrs Iweala’s candidacy is the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS).
The endorsement by the 15-member-state regional group is a boost to Mrs Okonjo-Iweala candidature in the race following a decision by the African Union (AU) to reject her nomination.
Mr Elumelu, while presenting his motion, stated that if the former minister emerges as Director General of the WTO for the period of 2021-2025, “she will be the first female and first African to have occupied the office.”
He acknowledged that President Muhammadu Buhari having put into consideration her outstanding academic and professional background, as well as, her long years of managerial experience at the top echelons of multilateral institutions, her reputation as a fearless reformer and excellent negotiator graciously endorsed her as the nations candidate for the WTO job.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic at hand and many countries faced with difficult choices and critical moments, the WTO has a vital role to play in hunting for trade solutions and building trust amongst member states, hence the need for a capable hand that can make the WTO fit to thrive for the 21st century. There is no gainsaying that Dr Ngozi Okonjo-lweolo has the requisite capacity and experience to handle the challenges of WTO at this critical moment”.
“This is the perfect time for Africa to assume leadership at the WTO and all concerned stakeholders, must unanimously commit to achieving this”.
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He expressed concern that two other candidates from Egypt and Kenya will split the African votes.
He said the emergence of these candidates will cripple the prospect of an African assuming the WTO position. He urged the House to urgently reach out to the governments of Egypt and Kenya on the need to rally round a single candidate for the continent.
“In the past, Nigeria has staunchly supported the candidatures of other Africans to leadership position at multilaterals, including the candidacy of late Boutros Boutros Ghali, an Egyptian national to become the Secretary-General of the United Nations.”
“A good turn deserves another and we must now unite the African continent and ensure cooperation amongst our countries to put the continent first.
“Having a Nigerian as the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, will further enhance the image of the country amongst the comity of nations, hence the need to massively support this bid.”
The house also urged President Buhari to further rally other African leaders to support her bid, also urging the Pan African parliament to follow suit “in the spirit of African oneness and reciprocity.”
