I’m Too Busy To Think About Second Term As WTO DG - Okonjo-Iweala

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the  Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has disclosed that the thoughts of considering a possible second term in charge of the global body has not crossed her mind.

According to Iweala, she first wants to focus on how the Geneva-based trade body could deliver on things “that matter” before thinking of running again.

“I still have so much to deliver in the short term. This thought hasn’t even crossed my mind.

“There is so much before us. We need to get through a successful MC13,” she said, referring to the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO — an international gathering of trade ministers next week in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The two-time Nigeria finance minister, said she wants to focus on how the WTO could deliver on things that matter before thinking of running again.

“Maybe when we finish all of that, that will cross my mind,” she said.

Okonjo-Iweala took charge of the WTO in 2021 for a four-year period.

The process of appointing a new director general is due to start at the end of this year, according to the WTO’s internal rules.