By Fola James
Multi-billionaire and President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has thrown his weight behind Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for the World Trade Organisation, WTO Director General position.
The endorsement is timely, many say, in the sense that the second phase of the selection process is coming up next week, September 7, 2020.
Dangote’s support is also considered a big boost for Dr Okonjo-Iweala who had earlier suffered a hit as a result of African Union, AU rejection of her candidacy.
The former Nigeria’s Finance Minister is squaring up with eight other candidates, among them three women, but the former minister said she’s poised to take the job.
“I think I have the wind behind my back. I have had constructive conversations all around. Now there is an appetite and recognition for reform beyond where the WTO is now. I am passionate about how trade lifts millions from poverty,” she said
Her candidature was opposed by the continental body, on the basis that President Muhammadu Buhari substituted Okonjo-Iweala for Yunov Agah, Nigeria’s permanent representative to WTO who was initially nominated for the position.
Agah’s candidacy has now been withdrawn following Nigeria’s insistence, in a letter forwarded to the Union on June 4.
The Africa’s richest man said in a tweet “A vote for her by all is a step in the right direction. I fully endorse the candidature of Okonjo Iweala-Iweala to lead the WTO.
“In these challenging times, WTO needs the renowned skills and tested experience of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to lead the organisation through identified obstacles and strengthen its position as the prime facilitator of international trade.”
The candidate said: “I think I have the wind behind my back. I have had constructive conversations all around. Now there is an appetite and recognition for reform beyond where the WTO is now. I am passionate about how trade lifts millions from poverty.”
