There is palpable jubilation in Nigeria today as former Finance Minister and Coordinator of the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala becomes new DG of WTO.

The highly competitive race was trimmed down to 2 candidates earlier in October.

“Excitement as Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Is Set to Be WTO DG, One of two Standing

According to TheCable, Okonjo Iweala polled 104 out of 164 votes from member countries to defeat Soth Korea’s Trade Minister, the only candidate left standing with her.

Among many high profile diplomatic appointments, Okonjo-Iweala was the Vice President, Operations in World Bank.

Congratulatory messages have been pouring in since the news emerged earlier in the afternoon:

Congratulations Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as you becomes the Director General of WTO.

I wish you successful tenure as WTO DG.
Congratulations ma @NOIweala pic.twitter.com/MRBrZNNrrf

— sweet stakers tips (@DGreenplug) October 28, 2020

Finally! Nigeria's @NOIweala becomes the first African to head the World Trade Organization. Congratulations ma pic.twitter.com/15CMP4DVEo

— Yasir Sani Tahir (@Yastahh) October 28, 2020