Nigerian economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has occupied the position of the Director-General of the World Trade Organization since 2021 and has been outstanding in the conduct of global trade.

However, it is time for her to be reelected for a second term, or another candidate fills the post.

So far, the former managing director of the World Bank is the only candidate who has indicated interest in filling the role.

“At the end of the nomination period, the only candidacy received for this post is from Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the incumbent director-general,” the WTO General Council chair Petter Ølberg disclosed.

One would expect that she would be announced for a second term, but the victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential election means she might have to wait a bit, as a major power in the WTO could stop a candidate from becoming the director-general.

Recall that in 2020, Okonjo-Iweala’s appointment to the post was delayed until Trump lost the presidential election.

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President Joe Biden approved her victory before she was sworn into the post.

This time, the former Nigerian finance minister could be sworn in before Trump is sworn in on January 20, 2025, as she could be confirmed for a second term in the next meeting of the WTO General Council scheduled to be held on December 16-17, 2024.

Clete Willems, who was a trade official during Trump’s first term, has accused the WTO of trying to confirm Okonjo-Iweala before Trump is sworn into power.

“I don’t know what the Biden administration will do, but I think what they should do is tell the WTO to go back to the original timeframe and not try to rush this in the shadow of a U.S. presidential election,” Willems opined.

Donald Trump has not said anything yet, but the position remains open until she is officially confirmed.