• Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala will seek a second term as WTO Director-General, following broad-based support from WTO members
• 58 member states have voiced support for her reappointment, praising her leadership and achievements during her first term
• The African Group has formally requested and proposed the initiation of the re-nomination process for Okonjo-Iweala’s second term

Nigerian-born Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), has announced her intention to seek a second four-year term when her current mandate expires in August 2025. The announcement was confirmed by her spokesman, Ismaila Dieng, who cited “overwhelming and broad-based support” from WTO members.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, who assumed the role of WTO Director-General in March 2021, has focused on revitalizing the organization, which has faced significant challenges and criticism for its sluggish pace and inefficiencies. Her decision to seek another term was communicated to WTO Chair, Norwegian Ambassador Petter Olberg, and was supported by the WTO’s African Group during a meeting on Monday.

The African Group formally requested that the former Finance minister be re-nominated for a second term and proposed that the process begin immediately. So far, no other candidates have emerged.

In August, 58 out of the 164 WTO member states expressed support for Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment at a WTO General Council meeting. These members, including several speaking on behalf of groups, praised her leadership and achievements during her first term. The support underscores a broad consensus on her effective management and the positive impact of her reforms.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “Everything that I’ve accomplished, we’ve accomplished together.” Her leadership has been marked by efforts to modernize the WTO and address global trade challenges amid a complex geopolitical landscape.

As of now, no other candidates have announced their intention to run for the position of WTO Director-General, indicating a strong likelihood of Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment if the support from member states continues.

Nigeria, World Bank partner to register all land parcels, targets $300 billion untapped capital

Meanwhile, TheRadar reported that Nigeria’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has partnered with the World Bank to tackle the country’s land registration issues, with over 90% of land currently untitled, tying up an estimated $300 billion in untapped capital.

The initiative aims to register all land parcels within five years, increase formal land transactions from 10% to 50%, and establish a National Digital Land Information System (NDLIS).