News
WTO General Council reappoints Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as DG for a second term
The General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has agreed by consensus to reappoint Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second four-year term, set to begin on 1 September 2025.
This decision reflects broad recognition of her exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the future of the WTO.
The reappointment process, initiated on 8 October 2024, was overseen by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council. With no additional nominations submitted by the 8 November deadline,
Dr Okonjo-Iweala stood as the sole candidate. The process was conducted in a fully open and transparent manner, adhering to the WTO’s “Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General” (WT/L/509).
During a special General Council meeting on 28-29 November 2024, Dr Okonjo-Iweala outlined her forward-looking vision for the WTO.
Following her presentation and a Q&A session with members, the Council formally endorsed her reappointment by consensus. Ambassador Ølberg praised her achievements, stating: The General Council commends Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her outstanding leadership during her first term.
Amid significant global economic challenges, she strengthened the WTO’s ability to support its members and set a forward-looking agenda for the organization.
Her leadership was instrumental in securing meaningful outcomes at pivotal moments, including the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences (MC12 and MC13), where major milestones were achieved.”
He continued: “As we look ahead, the Council fully supports Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s commitment to ensuring that the WTO remains responsive, inclusive, and results-driven.
Her leadership will be critical as the organization continues to advance a resilient, rules-based, and equitable global trading system.”
Background
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala first assumed office as Director-General on 1 March 2021, becoming the first woman and first African to lead the WTO.
Her first term concludes on 31 August 2025.
Her reappointment highlights the strong support for her efforts to enhance the WTO’s relevance and capacity in addressing the evolving challenges of global trade.
The Kaduna State Police Command has revealed the identity of the man who caused panic after charging towards President Bola Tinubu during his visit to the state.
According to the police, the suspect has been identified as Umar Mohammed, a resident of Anguwan Muazu in Kaduna.
The incident happened during the commissioning of a 300-bed specialist hospital in Millennium City.
As President Tinubu was addressing the audience, Mohammed suddenly broke through the crowd and rushed toward him, triggering a swift response from security operatives.
The moment left Tinubu visibly shocked, as seen in a widely shared video showing his startled reaction and the confusion among his security team.
Police later disclosed that the man has a mental health condition he has lived with since birth.
They described his actions as unplanned and driven by excitement, adding that he was unarmed and posed no real threat after being restrained.
Despite the scare, the event continued as planned.
Governor Uba Sani led the inauguration of the hospital, which is expected to boost healthcare access in Kaduna.
Video credit: TVC (Twitter)
News
Hardship: Govs Agree to Dismantle Illegal Road Blocks, Multiple Taxes
The communique was signed by NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Governors of the 36 states of the federation have agreed to dismantle illegal road blocks and multiple taxes across the country.
They made the resolution after a meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Abuja, which ended early Thursday.
The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who read the communique at the end of the meeting, said that the governors resolved to dismantle illegal road blocks and multiple taxes, which they said contributed to food inflation in the country.
The communique was signed by NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
(ThisDay)
News
TCN Records 42 Incidents of Transmission Lines Vandalisms Within Seven Months
The major effect of the vandalism is the disruption of power supply across the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry, as the generated power from the generation station could not be wheeled to the distribution ends.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) recorded 42 vandalism incidents on its infrastructures between January to June 2025 and which affected a total of 178 transmission towers nationwide.
The General Manager of Transmission Service at TCN, Mr Ali Sharifa, who made this known yesterday in Keffi, Nasarawa State, lamented that 2024 and 2025 have been the most trying times for TCN concerning vandalism of its transmission line infrastructure by non-state actors.
“A total of 86 towers were vandalized in 2024, with 26 towers completely down, which left affected states in total darkness. While in the first and second quarters of 2025, a total of 42 acts of vandalism were recorded affecting a total of 178 towers,” he said.
He emphasized that the major effect of the vandalism is the disruption of power supply across the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry, as the generated power from the generation station could not be wheeled to the distribution ends.
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