The United States of America has finally endorsed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former Nigerian Finance Minister for the office of the director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
The development follows the withdrawal of Yoo Myung-hee, South Korean Trade Minister, from the race to head the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Friday, February 5, 2021.
The Trade Minister took various issues into consideration, including the need to revitalize the multilateral organization.
The withdrawal of Yoo Myung cleared the path for the Nigerian economist to become the sole candidate, first Woman and African for the position.
According to a statement Issued by the office of the US trade representative late on Friday, the Biden-Harris administration is pleased to support the candidacy of Okonjo-Iweala.
Recall that Okonjo-Iweala who is also a U.S citizen emerged as the front-runner for the WTO director-general position last year but was opposed by the U.S.
The last minute objection by the U.S. delayed the announcement of Okonjo-Iweala as the consensus candidate to lead the World Trade Organisation.
The Donald Trump-led admininstration had refused to back the former managing director of the World Bank on grounds that she lacked trade experience. A claim Okonjo-Iweala has refuted repeatedly.
