Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iwealahas secured a second term as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy was reappointed on Friday by the General Council of the WTO for a new four-year tenure beginning September 1, 2025.

Confirming her re-election via a tweet on its verified X page, WTO said, “Breaking: the General Council has appointed Director-General @NOIweala for a second term, effective 1 September 2025. More details to follow.”

Okonjo-Iweala, 70, had announced her intention to seek a second term in September.

Chair of the General Council, Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, had also informed WTO members that no other nominations were received before the November 8 deadline, leaving Okonjo-Iweala as the sole candidate for the DG position.

After her reappointment on Friday, Okonjo-Iweala thanked the WTO’s 166 member nations for their continued trust and support, according to a statement by the organisation.

“I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members. It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term,” Okonjo-Iweala said.

Reflecting on her first term, Okonjo-Iweala underscored the WTO’s crucial role in addressing global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and geopolitical tensions.

“In recent years, the WTO has played a vital role in helping Members navigate pressing global challenges, including the pandemic, conflict, and heightened geopolitical tensions. I commend Members for their hard work and determination in achieving progress despite unprecedented levels of uncertainty and rapid economic shifts,” she said.

Okonjo-Iweala pledged to continue championing trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience while reinforcing the multilateral trading system.

“As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter — results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world. By promoting trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience, the WTO will continue to provide a collaborative platform for Members to address shared global challenges.

“I am deeply committed to working alongside the talented and dedicated staff of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all,” she further said.

Okonjo-Iweala made history in 2021 as the first woman and African to lead the WTO. Her current tenure, which began in March 2021, will end in August 2025.