Former two-time Nigerian Minister, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Wednesday, July 15, in Geneva, Switzerland, stressed the need for the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to elect a credible candidate based on merit for the position of Director-General.
Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala, who is one of the eight candidates vying for the position, was interviewed by reporters at a press conference held shortly after her presentation to the WTO General Council.
She stated that the best candidate should be chosen for the position, irrespective of their gender, race, or country of origin.
Okonjo-Iweala said: “Choosing a Director-General for WTO should be on merit. The best person should be chosen to lead an institution that’s having challenges.
“If it happens to be a woman, great. If it happens to be an African it’s also great. It should be based on merit.”
Extolling the qualities which make her well suited for the job, she said: “The WTO needs leadership and I’m someone with a strong managerial capability with the ability to forge consensus and reforms.
“These bundles of qualities in addition to my leadership quality is what I’m bringing to the WTO.”