Nigeria's President Buhari Seeks European Council's Support for Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as WTO Director-General

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari held a virtual meeting with European Council President Charles Michel to discuss the candidature of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria's former finance minister, as the next Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The meeting aimed to secure Europe's support for Okonjo-Iweala's bid, which is being opposed by the United States. Despite the U.S. opposition, Okonjo-Iweala has secured the backing of most countries, including the European Union and the African Union.

Key Takeaways:

• President Buhari held a virtual meeting with European Council President Charles Michel to discuss Okonjo-Iweala's candidature for WTO Director-General.
• Okonjo-Iweala has secured the backing of most countries, including the European Union and the African Union.
• The United States is opposing Okonjo-Iweala's bid, supporting her South Korean opponent instead.
• President Buhari thanked the European Council for its support for Nigeria's candidate.
• The meeting also discussed issues like debt relief for Africa, EU-African relations, and recharge of the Lake Chad, which has shrunk to less than one-third of its usual size.

Statistics:

• Okonjo-Iweala is the leading candidate for the WTO Director-General position.
• The U.S. is the only country opposing Okonjo-Iweala's bid.
• The European Union and the African Union have supported Okonjo-Iweala's candidature.
• The Lake Chad has shrunk to less than one-third of its usual size, affecting over 130 million people who depend on it.

Sources:

• State House Press Release
• Premium Times
• (no external link)