The coast seems clear for Nigeria’s former minister of finance, Ngozi Okojo-Iweala, to become the next Director-General (DG) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the South Korean candidate also vying for the top position, Yoo Myung-hee, has withdrawn her candidacy.
In a statement released by the Korean Ministry of Trade on Friday, February 5, Yoo made the decisions known after alleged discussions with the US and other major nations and took various issues into account "comprehensively", including the need to revitalize the multi-lateral organization.
Okonjo-Iweala and Yoo were the two top contenders left for the exalted position after other candidates from other countries had been screened out.
Yoo's withdrawal comes after dozens of former US government officials appealed to President Joe Biden to endorse Okonjo-Iweala after the previous Trump administration blocked her selection.
The opposition had halted the selection process as decisions of the WTO are made on basis of a consensus of its members.
Okonjo-Iweala who also is a citizen of the United States, emerged as the front-runner for the WTO-DG position in 2020.
This indicates that Nigeria's Okonjo-Iweala is now the sole candidate left in the race.
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