FORMER NIGERIAN Finance Minister Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is today, at her first day of work as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The 66-year-old entered the organisation’s headquarters in Geneva earlier this morning, wearing a mask to protect her from COVID-19.

Speaking to a reporter as she entered, she said she felt great.

“I am coming into one of the most important institutions in the world and we have a lot of work to do. I feel ready to go,” she shared.

Okonjo-Iweala begins the post following a long campaign, that was frustrated by a Trump administration veto.

Under Trump, America had supported Trade Minister Yoo Myung-Hee from the Republic of Korea for the post.

However, following the US elections, and Myung-Hee’s decision to withdraw her candidacy the path was cleared for Okonjo-Iweala’s ascendancy.

No one has been in post as director-general at the WTO since Roberto Azvedo left the role at the end of August 2020, one year earlier than expected.

The organisation is currently facing difficulties, as it is struggles to make new trade deals due to a range of factors.

The tensions between China and America, as well as the isolationist policies that countries have adopted due to the COVID-19 pandemic are just some of the problems that must be tackled.

Today, the General Council, which is responsible for major decisions at the WTO is also holding a closed meeting.

Speaking outside the building, Okonjo-Iweala said: “Things are not easy when members are negotiating and there are still a lot of critical issues that need to be sorted out. But we are hopeful.”

The Nigerian made history when the General Council elected her as the seventh Director-General of the WTO. Not only is she the first woman to hold the post, she is also the first African.

In the past, she has said: “A strong WTO is vital if we are to recover fully and rapidly from the devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I look forward to working with members to shape and implement the policy responses we need to get the global economy going again.”