Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has congratulated former Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, over her final confirmation as the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The caucus in a statement by the Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, on Monday, observed that the emergence of Okonjo-Iweala as DG of the world trade body in spite of all the opposing huddles, “has reinforced global confidence in her competence and proficiency to head the world body”.
He said, “Indeed, the election of Dr. Okonjo-Iweala to head the WTO is well-deserving, given her huge experience, competence, commitment and track record of performance in global finance and economy as evinced in her successes as Nigeria’s minister of finance, Managing Director of the World Bank and various other international development bodies.
“We commend the global community for having confidence in Dr. Okonjo Iweala and particularly, the United States President, His Excellency Joe Biden, for the unwavering support given to her by his administration, which is clearly in recognition of Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s competence.
“In the same vein our caucus commends the understanding and spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by the South Korean trade minister, Yoo Myung-hee in withdrawing from the race; another loud testament to Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s suitability for the task ahead.”
The lawmakers charged Dr. Okonjo Iweala to, as usual, hit the ground running and bring to bear her skills, connections and wealth of experience in the onerous task of leading the WTO at this trying period in the history of global economy.
The caucus however urged the new WTO DG to have a special focus on Africa and the developing world, particularly at this time of economic recession, which has been worsened by the adverse effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
