WTO DG: Again, EU assures Nigeria of support for Okonjo-Iweala

THE European Council has reassured President Buhari of its support for the emergence of Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as the next Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The reassurance was given to President Buhari today when he had a video conference with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.

According to a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, other issues discussed during the virtual meeting included debt relief for African countries and others.

“President Muhammadu Buhari Friday held a video conference with Mr Charles Michel, President of the European Council, during which the latter reiterated Europe’s support for Nigeria’s Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the next Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

“The President is leading Nigeria’s charge for Okonjo-Iweala, the country’s former Minister of Finance, to emerge as the first Black and female WTO DG.

“President Buhari thanked the European Council for its support for Nigeria’s candidate.

“Also discussed during the conference were issues bordering on debt relief for Africa, EU-African relations and recharge of the Lake Chad, which has currently shrunk to less than one-third of its usual size, and throwing about 130 million people who depend on the Lake into dire straits.

“Recharge of the Lake Chad is an issue the Nigerian President had vigorously canvassed at diverse global fora in recent time.

“President Buhari expressed appreciation to Mr. Michel for expected positive developments on the issues,” the statement said.

Naija Times had reported that the Anambra State government had urged President Buhari to mobilise leaders of African Union, AU and European Union, EU to prevail on the US president Trump, to support the candidacy of Okonjo-Iweala for the Director General of the World Trade Organisation(WTO).

The US has expressed its opposition against the emergence of Okonjo-Iweala as the DG WTO.